The most important thing in a woman’s life is marriage. Well, it is for ultra-Orthodox Jews. It’s often as much about social acceptance as love and companionship. There’s no Tinder or Match.com in the Hasidic community. Instead, there’s a reliance on marriage brokers for those struggling to find ‘the one’. Rama Burshtein’s previous film, Fill the Void, was an emotional drama about a young woman pressurised into an arranged marriage to a much older widower. In Through the Wall she takes a completely different tack.
Michal (Noa Koler) became religious over a decade ago and is about to get married in a month to Gidi (Erez Drigues). When he suddenly breaks it off, she spirals into an existential crisis. Determined to get wed, she keeps the booking at Shimi’s (Amos Tamam) catering hall; leaving her just 22 days to find a husband. Michal contacts a marriage broker and goes on a raft of dates, but as the big day approaches she begins to doubt her faith.
Through the Wall is a unique and creative romantic comedy. Noa Koler is fantastic as the highly-strung Michal, desperate and on the brink of a breakdown. Once again Burshtein, who herself converted to Orthodox Judaism, tackles a huge issue for females within the community. Through the Wall is not just a film about societal values but also one of faith and belief. The power of which is the only thing which can see Michal through.
Through the Wall is out in cinemas from Friday.
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