The story revolves around Ronit Krushka (Rachel Weisz), a successful New York City photographer who returns to the Orthodox Jewish community in London following the death of her father, a revered rabbi.
Upon her return, Ronit discovers that Esti (Rachel McAdams), her former classmate and childhood friend with whom she had a same-sex romance, is married to Dovid (Alessandro Nivola), their childhood friend who became the Rav's protégé. This reunion rekindles old passions, tests religious authority, and raises questions about the value of community support versus personal freedom.
The film explores themes of love, faith, and identity within a close-knit, insular community. It is a romantic drama with a same-sex relationship at its core and has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of complex relationships and the challenges faced by those who choose not to conform to societal expectations.
Disobedience premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017 and received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly those of Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, and Alessandro Nivola. The film also won awards, including the British Independent Film Awards for Best Supporting Actor (Alessandro Nivola) and several nominations.
The movie is a thought-provoking exploration of the boundaries of faith, love, and personal freedom, set against the backdrop of an insular Orthodox Jewish community in London.
