By Sheryl Rowling
LA JOLLA, California –Described in IMDB as a “gentle, nuanced look at two people from very different communities who connect and fall in love,” Felix and Meira tells the story of a confined ultra-Orthodox wife seeking freedom. Or, it tries.
Unfortunately, nothing worked in this film. Meira spends her time pouting and staring unhappily into space except for when she is alone with her baby swaying to prohibited soul music. There is no explanation for her unhappiness, no insight into what brought her to this point in her life. Meira’s husband is true to tradition, yet seemingly kind. Her community is supportive and close. Yet, missing is any inkling of Meira’s family or any background on her, her marriage, her husband – or anything!
While shopping in a kosher store, Meira is greeted by jobless, personality-less Felix. Since she is forbidden from interacting with other men, Meira quietly avoids his approach. After several “coincidental” encounters on the street, Meira inexplicably falls for Felix and they begin a slow walk toward intimacy.
Naturally, Meira’s husband becomes upset. Her friends try to woo her back. Yet, in this hollow, unengaging film, true love must win out. By the time the movie ends, we just don’t care.
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Rowling is a freelance writer specializing in such subjects as personal finance and the cultural arts. Your comment may be placed in the space provided below or sent to sheryl.rowling@sdjewishworld.com