Foxtrot

      Making the short list for Best Foreign Film but ultimately not getting a deserved nomination at this year's Academy Award, this is a mesmerizing new Israeli drama from writer/director Samuel Maoz.

       Lior Ashkenasi and Sarah Adler star as grief stricken parents who learn at the onset of the film that their son, Jonathan has been killed in the line of military duty.  At once a meditation on grief, the film becomes so much more in a surprising and deliberately paced story.

       The film is divided into three sections. It is a deeply moving film filled with moments that catch an audience off guard. Mr. Maoz use of unconventional camera angles and surreal flashes as the story unfolds keep the viewer in an hypnotic state even in moments of pure tedium.

       Ms. Adler and Mr. Ashkenasi are both terrific but Mr. Ashkenasi, already a well respected Israeli actor, takes his skills to another level as a man torn apart by grief and guilt. Even in moments of silence (of which there are many), his expressive face, at once breaks your heart, as well as keeps you on edge waiting for his inner turmoil to spill out.

        When art is done right, it should leave an impact on it's audience. This haunting drama will leave you reeling and deeply affected well after the final credits.