In a Haredi (most conservative Orthodox) community in Tel Aviv, Israel, a family faces an unexpected tragedy; then tries to encourage a recent widower to stay within the community. The film is written and directed by Rama Burshetein who is an Orthodox Jew herself. The story takes place strictly within the Orthodox community with no interactions at all with the secular world.
Gratuitous sex and violence are so common in movies today, they almost seem mandatory to the point of being nearly repetitive and predictable. Their complete absence in "Fill the Void" is a plus for this film for being unintentionally outside the current mainstream.
The story itself is rather simple and ordinary. It misses the impact of a similar film "Kadosh" (1999) which demonstrated tension and rebellion within the Orthodox community. However, Burshtein's use of misty cinematography plus a fine cast makes this film sweet and special in its own way.
Gratuitous sex and violence are so common in movies today, they almost seem mandatory to the point of being nearly repetitive and predictable. Their complete absence in "Fill the Void" is a plus for this film for being unintentionally outside the current mainstream.
The story itself is rather simple and ordinary. It misses the impact of a similar film "Kadosh" (1999) which demonstrated tension and rebellion within the Orthodox community. However, Burshtein's use of misty cinematography plus a fine cast makes this film sweet and special in its own way.