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Foxtrot is a 2017 Israeli film directed by Samuel Maoz, which revolves around the themes of grief, loss, and absurdity that life presents us with. The film explores the journey of a family consisting of Michael Feldman (Lior Ashkenazi), Dafna Feldman (Sarah Adler), and their son, Jonathan Feldman (Yonatan Shiray), as they try to come to terms with the sudden and tragic loss of their son, who served in the Israeli Defense Forces.

The story of Foxtrot revolves around three parts that are interwoven and connected thematically. The first part depicts Michael and Dafna as they receive the news of the death of their son, Jonathan, only to be followed by a sequence of events that plunge them into overwhelming sadness and despair. The second part of the film takes place entirely in a remote military checkpoint where Jonathan had been posted along with a small group of soldiers. This part of the film showcases the monotony, absurdity, and futility of military life as well as the dehumanizing effects that the conflict has on those who participate in it. Finally, the third part of the film brings the story back to Michael and Dafna, who try to make sense of their loss, but who are also dealing with the secrets and the unresolved conflicts that they have held within themselves.

The film Foxtrot portrays an emotional and psychological journey of a family that is dealing with loss and trying to cope with their grief. Michael and Dafna's reaction to the loss of their son is different, and it highlights the different ways people deal with loss. Michael wants answers and seeks justice for his son's death, while Dafna is lost in her pain and sorrow.

The second part of the film, set in the remote military checkpoint, portrays the monotony of military life and the sense of detachment that soldiers develop towards their own lives. The soldiers are depicted as stuck in a cycle of meaningless tasks, constantly dealing with an endless barrage of bureaucratic decisions and rules. Despite the surroundings, the soldiers seem to have found a modicum of camaraderie within their group. However, this sense of unity and brotherhood is portrayed as fragile and temporary, as the brutal reality of their situation slowly dawns on them.

The film's cinematography and the use of long shots are particularly effective in conveying the sense of loneliness, tension, and anxiety that characterizes the film's atmosphere. The use of color is also significant in creating the mood of the film, with muted and dark tones used to portray the characters' desperation and hopelessness.

Foxtrot is a thoughtful, profound, and moving film that leaves a deep imprint on its viewers. It shows the pain and the numbness that comes with loss, the despair and absurdity of war, and the power of love to heal wounds. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family, connection, and empathy in the face of the harsh realities of life. The film is also a poignant critique of the dehumanizing effects of war and the futile cycles of violence that it perpetuates.

In conclusion, Foxtrot is a remarkable film that showcases the remarkable talent of its director, Samuel Maoz. It is an emotionally complex movie that explores the depths of human emotions and the intricacies of life's absurdity. The film is beautifully shot, and the performances by the actors are all superb. Foxtrot is a movie that demands attention, and its message is one that will resonate with viewers long after the credits have rolled.

Foxtrot is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 88.