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Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated Disobedience (2018) in Movies

Mar 3, 2020

Disobedience (2018)

2018 | Drama, Romance

7.3

(3 Ratings)

Movie Rating

English language films with big name actors are not usually this European. Which is why I have chosen the beautiful French poster to highlight this unexpected gem.

I hadn’t expected to like it, but was curious to see the two lead actresses work together on something so intimate, that became in the media something controversial, regrettably, for all the wrong reasons. They chose to focus on the sexual aspect of two high profile women about to commit to film a level of titillation hitherto unseen by either… but, of course, it is so much more than that.

The world of orthodox Judaisim and commitment to a patriarchal ideal of tradition and intrinsic value is at the heart of this small, yet devastating film. At first, that world is so alien and upsetting that it seems like a fantasy. Until you allow yourself to realise that this community does exist, and thrives.

Both Rachel Weisz as a woman with a secret who managed to escape the constraints and prejudices of the male dominant world, and Rachel McAdams, as the friend left behind to swallow her pride and be the expected wife, deliver extraordinary performances. The passion, repression and guilt are apparent in every scene.

But it is Alessandro Nivola, as the key antagonist, that really wins the plaudits. Watch a character so unlikable become a hero in the most humble and unlikely sense, in a scene of such breath-taking clarity, towards the film’s climax. I can only wish all “bad guys” get this kind of human pay-off.

A film of resonance and social interest that fails as an entirely coherent piece, but works in so many good ways it is worth seeing just for the feels! There is no point where you do not believe how much these women are in love. And for that reason alone, I recommend it.

Kudos

Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Secrets They Left Behind in Books

Apr 23, 2020

At first I was disappointed this was not one of Redmond's excellent Cold Case novels featuring detective Lauren Riley, whom I love, but that disappointment was short lived. I quickly took to Shea O'Connor, a young but feisty and enjoyable officer who will stop at nothing to solve her case. We realize that Shea clearly had a close call with a serial killer the last time she was undercover and she's still recovering from those wounds. Our girl is hurting, but she's also focused--Shea will do anything to find those girls.

Shea is in a tough spot. She's a young, female officer in a male-dominated profession, and she's often mistaken for a teen. However, her youthful appearance pays off undercover. But is the FBI using her? There's more than a simple mystery to solve here, as we must unravel if Shea can trust those around her.

The central mystery itself, of the girls' disappearance, is engaging and fascinating. I had a fairly good inkling early on who might be involved, but it didn't stop my interest, and I flew through the book. There are, of course, plenty of dirty secrets in Kelly's Falls--as in most small towns--and Shea digs up plenty of them. There's also an interesting angle where she becomes close with one of the missing girl's brother. Shea excels at immersing herself in her undercover role, and it was fun to see her play the young, naive college student (with a knife hidden in her back pocket).

The writing is a little simplistic at times, but overall this is a compelling thriller with an engaging protagonist. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 here. I'd love to see another book featuring Shea.