Here We Are
הנה אנחנו | Nir Bergman | Israel/Italy 2020 | Hebrew (English subtitles) | Drama | 92m | DCP | IMDB | Distributor/Sales: Menemsha (US) | Festival marketing sample: Cannes 2020
Description: Aharon has been raising Uri, his autistic son, on his own ever since his divorce. His ex-wife Tamara feels that Uri will be better off in an institution and has made arrangements for his admission despite her husband’s misgivings. Uri’s breakdown on the day prompts father and son to embark on a desperate escape and a road trip through Israel.
Merits: Nir Bergman was one of the creators of the Israeli television series In Therapy (בטיפול) and it’s HBO derivative In Treatment. In his nuanced family drama, Aharon’s character is frequently forced to improvise solutions to challenges posed by his son’s disability. In one delicately observed scene, Aharon notices his son’s probably unwelcome interest in some female guests in a hotel’s swimming pool. He deftly distracts him before Uri’s erection will cause embarrassment. This gently funny but essential scene serves to show us that Uri is no longer a child. Shai Avivi and Noam Imber deliver sterling performances as the father and son. This deeply moving film, devoid of any sentimentality or crassness, was one of the official selections for the 2020 Cannes Film Festival.
Rating: Brief scene of male nudity. The swimming trunks clad-protagonists has an obvious erection. Menemsha, the US distributor, may offer a family-friendly version.