Watch Eyes Wide Open

Eyes Wide Open is a poignant drama that tackles themes of forbidden love, religious repression, and self-discovery in the context of an ultra-orthodox Jewish community in Jerusalem. The movie follows the journey of Aaron (played by Ran Danker), a dutiful husband, father, and member of his community who runs a kosher butcher shop. When a stranger named Ezri (played by Zohar Strauss) comes to town and asks for a job, Aaron hesitantly agrees to hire him. However, as the two men spend more time together, they develop a deep emotional and sexual attraction that challenges Aaron's beliefs and threatens to upend his carefully constructed life.

The director, Haim Tabakman, masterfully creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere that reflects the suffocating nature of Aaron's world. The movie is shot in muted tones, with a lot of grey and brown colors, which underline the drabness and monotony of Aaron's daily routine. The film also features long, lingering shots of the holy sites and narrow streets of the religious neighborhood, which reveal how closely Aaron and his community are tied to their faith and traditions.

The relationship between Aaron and Ezri is at the heart of the movie, and it is portrayed with sensitivity and depth. Their first encounter is awkward and hesitant, but as they work together and open up to each other, a connection forms between them. The movie does not shy away from the physical aspects of their relationship, but it also shows how their emotional bond is just as important. Their moments of intimacy are tender and intimate, but are always tinged with fear and guilt, as Aaron struggles with what his desires mean for his identity and his place in the community.

The other characters in the movie also play important roles in the story, particularly Aaron's wife Rivka (played by Tinkerbell), who is portrayed as a complex and sympathetic character. Despite the rigid rules of their community, Rivka is supportive and caring towards Aaron, and it is clear that she loves him deeply. However, she also has her own struggles, and the movie subtly hints at her unfulfilled desires and disappointments. The other members of the ultra-orthodox community are depicted as a close-knit, yet judgmental and oppressive group, who are quick to shun anyone who strays from their strict codes of behavior.

Overall, Eyes Wide Open is a powerful and moving movie that explores themes of love, identity, and faith with nuance and complexity. The tension between Aaron's desires and his obligations to his community creates a palpable sense of unease throughout the film, and the performances by the two leads are exceptional. The movie is not an easy watch, as it deals with heavy themes such as self-loathing and social rejection, but it is a rewarding one that will leave viewers with much to ponder.