In Paris, things do not exactly get off to a good start for Yoav. He knocks on the door of a flat, only to discover the place is empty and, while he is taking a bath there, his things are stolen. Yet this young Israeli had arrived with such great expectations. He is determined to get rid of his nationality as quickly as possible. For him, being Israeli is like a tumour that has to be surgically removed.
Becoming French, on the other hand, would quite simply mean his salvation. In order to erase his origins, Yoav first tries to replace his language. From now on, he will not utter a single word of Hebrew. The dictionary becomes his constant companion. The necessary visits to the Israeli embassy annoy him; he finds his compatriots to be a total burden. But the naturalisation test also has its pitfalls. And the young French couple whom he befriends has some rather strange ideas about how to help him.
Based on his own experiences, Nadav Lapid explores the challenges of putting down roots in a new place. His attempt to find himself awakens past demons and opens up an existential abyss. A tragicomic puzzle that wisely knows how to keep its secrets.
Synonyms (French: Synonymes) is a 2019 French-Israeli drama film directed by Nadav Lapid. It won the Golden Bear at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival. It also won the FIPRESCI Award (Competition) at the festival.
Synonymes (2019)
Directed by: Nadav Lapid
Starring: Tom Mercier, Quentin Dolmaire, Louise Chevillotte, Uria Hayik, Gaya Von Schwarze, Yehuda Almagor, Gal Amitai, Idan Ashkenazi, Dolev Ohana, Erwan Ribard, Yawen Ribard
Screenplay by: Nadav Lapid
Production Design by:
Cinematography by: Shai Goldman
Film Editing by: Neta Braun, François Gédigier, Era Lapid
Costume Design by: Khadija Zeggaï
Art Department: Thomas Laporte
Makeup Department: Noa Yehonatan
MPAA Rating: None.
Distributed by: Kino Lorber
Release Date: October 25, 2019
Visits: 47
