Watch A Strange Course of Events

A Strange Course of Events is a 2013 Israeli drama film directed by Raphaël Nadjari. The movie centers on the life of Shaul (Ori Pfeffer), a 40-year-old man living in Jerusalem who is struggling to find his place in the world. Shaul is the son of a washed-up 1960s musician, and his own dreams of becoming a musician never materialized. He works in a job he doesn't love, is recently divorced, and has a strained relationship with his teenage daughter.

The movie begins with Shaul visiting his father, who is dying in a nursing home. This visit prompts Shaul to reflect on his past and his relationship with his father. As the story progresses, Shaul meets several interesting characters, including a young drug-addicted man and his mother (played by Michaela Eshet), who Shaul develops a complicated relationship with.

Throughout the movie, there are flashbacks to Shaul's childhood, which give the audience a deeper understanding of his current struggles. We see Shaul as a child, riding in the car with his father while his father is high and playing music. We also see Shaul's father being arrested and taken away by the police, leaving Shaul alone on the streets.

As the story unfolds, Shaul is forced to confront his past and come to terms with his relationships with his father and daughter. The movie is a slow burn, but it is beautifully shot and well-acted. Ori Pfeffer gives an excellent performance as Shaul, and Moni Moshonov is equally impressive as his father.

One of the strengths of A Strange Course of Events is its portrayal of Jerusalem. The movie captures the city's unique atmosphere and culture, from its Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods to its bustling downtown streets. The movie also deals with some difficult themes, including drug addiction, mental illness, and family dysfunction. However, it does so in a nuanced and thoughtful way, never descending into melodrama or cliché.

The film also has a strong musical aspect, with several scenes featuring live performances by local musicians. The music is an integral part of the story, reflecting Shaul's own failed dreams of becoming a musician and his connection to his father.

Overall, A Strange Course of Events is a poignant and thought-provoking film that offers a powerful exploration of family, forgiveness, and redemption. Though it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate slow-burning character dramas will find much to admire here.

A Strange Course of Events is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5 and a MetaScore of 24.