Review by John Delia
Taking a closer look at Jewish social standards the film Felix and Meira an unusual romance comes to theaters. The subject matter of the drama looks at dominance, boredom, nonconformity, defiance and separation in a strict culture that’s ruled by their religious beliefs. The movie is attractively dark with fine direction, acting and a production crew. The cinematography provides a fascinating background filmed in low light giving the feel of the central character’s boredom with a bleak outlook on life.
Meira (Hadas Yaron) has been married to Shulem (Luzer Twersky) for some time and have recently birthed a child. Being a Hasidic Jew, Shulem’s faith in the ways of the sect are prominent, especially in their marriage. Caught up in the constant prayer rituals, strict social rules and a lackluster lifestyle, Meira hides her love for music and art. Shulem forbids any cheerfulness in the home so Meira seeks it with long walks with her daughter.
Felix (Martin Dubreuil) estranged from his family has returned to his home in Montreal to see his father who is on his death bed. His sister Caroline (Anne-Elizabeth Bosse) tries to sooth the differences between their father, but he cannot come to terms with him. He walks to a nearby coffee house where he sees Meira and the baby. He comments on her drawing she has made, but Meira leaves the café. Following the death of his father Felix decides to stay while the estate is being worked out. When he runs into Meira a second time he’s smitten by her look and desire for freedom from her humdrum life.
The film goes on from there showing the confrontations between Felix and Shulem and a budding romance beginning with Felix and Meira. Director Maxime Giroux moves his film along at a slow
pace showing the Hasidic values and strong control over their women to participate in the faith. He then opens his script to a fast paced relationship between his two main characters and their attempt to connect. All the while Giroux uses low lighting that includes sunlight through draped windows, candlelight on bureaus, darkened rooms and night shots of scenes in Montreal and Venice. The drab picturesque keeps the forbidden romance in perspective often challenging the reasoning of Meira, but mostly the despair of Shulem’s attempt to hold on to her.
The acting is superb with strong characterizations of Meira, Felix and Shulem. The three actors are natural with each having their goal to keep their characters on the right track. Yaron makes Meira an innocent trying to pull free from the trap she has put herself into in life. She shows the monotony of living in the Hasidic order, the determination to free herself, her want for romance and the will to resist Shulem’s pleas. Dubreuil shows Felix’s self-centered side knowingly helping to pull the married woman away from her dilemma for his own reward. Much like his desertion from his own family, he’s only after his own dreams no matter who he hurts in the meantime.
Shulem’s a strong willed man who will not give up his faith and all that encompasses it. Twersky gives the best performance as the man scorned who wants to get back what was joined by in marriage. He’s openly devout to the point that in reality his religion is his real marriage. He dismisses his wife’s needs and punishes her with loneliness.
If there is a downside it’s the finale that slowly dissipates into black while the credits role. The audience is thrown into the darkness of an auditorium to determine what kind of future Meira and her child will have.
Felix and Meira has rated R for a scene of sexuality/nudity. The film spools out in the French, Hebrew and English language with English Subtitles.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good film that peers into a different kind of world (B)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Martin Dubreuil, Hadas Yaron, Luzer Twersky, Anne-Elizabeth Bosse, Benoit Girard, Josh Dolguin
Directed by: Maxime Giroux
Genre: Drama, Foreign
MPAA Rating: R for a scene of sexuality/nudity
Running Time: 1 hr. 46 min
Release Date: May 8, 2015
Distributed by: Oscilloscope Pictures