Watch Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a powerful drama from Israel, directed by Matan Yair, which follows the troubled relationship between a teenage boy and his teacher, as they negotiate their expectations and ambitions for his life. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017 and has since been screened at various international film festivals, winning numerous awards.

Asher Lax plays the central character, Asher, a sixteen-year-old student who is struggling to find his place in the world. He comes from a family of scaffolders who work hard for a living, and he feels the weight of their expectations on his shoulders. His father wants him to inherit the family business, but Asher has dreams of studying literature and pursuing a deeper understanding of the world. He is a sensitive and intelligent boy who is often at odds with his father's practical and materialistic worldview.

Into this tense family dynamic steps Rami, a literature teacher played by Ami Smolartchik. Rami is a charismatic figure who sees potential in Asher and encourages him to explore his creativity and imagination. He is able to connect with Asher in a way that his father cannot, by nurturing his intellectual curiosities and elevating his sense of self-worth. However, their relationship is a complex one that is not always straightforward. While Rami has good intentions, he is not without his own personal demons that threaten to derail their connection.

The film explores the themes of class divide, familial expectations, and the intense pressures that young people feel in today's society. Asher is caught between two worlds – that of his blue-collar family and the intellectual circles that Rami introduces him to. He struggles to reconcile his desires with his responsibilities, torn between following his heart and fulfilling his obligations. The film portrays this inner conflict with sensitivity and nuance, capturing the emotional turmoil that Asher experiences as he tries to navigate these competing values.

The performances in Scaffolding are outstanding, particularly that of Asher Lax, who is a non-professional actor making his debut. He brings an authenticity and vulnerability to the role that is truly impressive, conveying the complexity of Asher's character with remarkable skill. Ami Smolartchik is equally impressive as Rami, imbuing the character with a charisma and complexity that makes him both fascinating and flawed.

The cinematography in Scaffolding is also noteworthy, capturing the gritty realism of Asher's world while also contrasting it with the more abstract and intellectual spaces that Rami inhabits. The film is shot with a handheld camera, adding a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the storytelling that draws the viewer in. The score is sparse but effective, adding an emotional weight to key scenes without overpowering them.

One of the strengths of Scaffolding is the way it resists the easy answers and tidy resolutions that are often found in Hollywood movies. This is a film that grapples with difficult questions and doesn't shy away from the messiness of life. It is a deeply human story that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled. It is a testament to the power of cinema to capture real, lived experiences and to evoke empathy and understanding in its audience.

Overall, Scaffolding is a moving and thought-provoking film that is well worth seeing. It is a touching exploration of the tumultuous journey of adolescence and the challenges of growing up in a society that often values conformity over individuality. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world, and it is a testament to the power of human connection to transform lives. It is a must-see film for anyone who loves intelligent, emotionally resonant cinema.

Scaffolding is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 69.