Watch Tehilim

Tehilim is a French-Israeli drama film directed by Raphael Nadjari that was released in 2007. The film follows the lives of a Jewish family living in Jerusalem and their struggles to come to terms with a traumatic event that shatters their peaceful existence. The storyline revolves around the Navon family, which consists of the father, mother, and two sons, a teenager named Menachem and a younger boy, David. The family is deeply religious and belongs to the Orthodox Jewish community. They live a quiet life in a suburban neighborhood of Jerusalem, and their daily routines revolve around prayer, study, and celebrations of Jewish holidays.

The film begins with the father, Yossi Navon, leaving for work in his car, accompanied by Menachem. Suddenly, their car is hit by a rock thrown from an overpass. Yossi dies on the spot, while Menachem is traumatized by the experience and can't speak ever since. The family is left in shock and grief, struggling to cope with the sudden loss of their beloved patriarch.

Unable to communicate, Menachem becomes more withdrawn, and David is confused by his brother's eerie silence. Meanwhile, the mother, Alma, does her best to keep the family together, but she too is haunted by her husband's tragic death. She turns to religion for solace and begins reciting Tehilim, which is a book of psalms that are recited for healing and strength.

The film then takes a dark turn when Menachem is abducted by unknown assailants, and the family has to turn to the police for help. They are unsure if Menachem's abduction is related to Yossi's death, but their fears are confirmed, and they are forced to endure a harrowing ordeal.

The film portrays the unraveling of a family in crisis, and the bleak picture it paints is made worse by the fact that the characters' faith offers no solace. The Navons are shown to be isolated and alone in their grief, and even the comforting rituals of their faith seem to offer no relief. Alma's recital of Tehilim seems empty and futile, and her prayers provide no comfort, while the religious community the family belongs to is portrayed as insular and disapproving.

The film's cinematography is gritty, and the colors are muted, conveying a sense of bleakness and despair. The director's use of close-ups and extreme close-ups creates an intimate mood, emphasizing the isolation of the characters from the world around them.

The actors' performances are impressive, particularly Michael Moshonov, who played Menachem, and Limor Goldstein, who portrayed Alma. Their portrayals of a traumatized teenager and a grieving mother are nuanced and moving, bringing emotional depth to the film.

In conclusion, Tehilim is a thought-provoking and poignant film that explores themes of grief, faith, and loss. The film's stark portrayal of a family in crisis is both intense and compelling, and its themes resonate with viewers long after the end credits roll.

Tehilim is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.