My Take:
When a young man dies in an accident, his older sister, Eden, is consumed by grief. Trying to understand the life he kept hidden, she discovers he had a secret male lover. Eden decides to seek out this man, leading to the formation of a strange, almost toxic, yet incredibly powerful bond built on shared pain. This is a film about how grief can distort our desires and how desperately we seek a piece of someone who is gone in the arms of another.
What's Captivating: Emotional rawness. Director Tom Nesher isn't afraid to show characters at their worst, most vulnerable moments. The cinematography is tight, almost claustrophobic, making you feel every drop of sweat and tear. It’s a rare portrait of mourning that isn't "polite"—it’s messy, sensual, and fiercely authentic.
A Word of Caution: The film pushes delicate moral boundaries. The relationship between the protagonists might trigger discomfort, which is exactly where the film’s strength lies. It’s for viewers who appreciate cinema that asks hard questions without offering easy answers.
Verdict: 8.5/10 🫂💔
Shocking and beautiful. One of those films that leaves a lasting scar on your heart and makes you question the nature of love and loss.
🔍 Did you know...?
The film is the feature debut of Tom Nesher, daughter of legendary Israeli director Avi Nesher. Most poignantly, the director based the story on her own tragic experience—her younger brother died in an accident, and she went through the process of discovering his "secret" life after he passed. Come Closer swept the 2024 Ophir Awards (the Israeli Oscars), winning Best Picture, Best Director, and a Best Actress award for the incredible Lia Elalouf.
