DIRECTOR: Tom Nesher
STARRING: Lia Elalouf, Darya Rosenn, Netta Garti, Ido Tako, Yaakov Zada Daniel
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 47 minutes
LANGUAGE: Hebrew
When her beloved brother dies, Eden's grief takes a dangerous turn as she discovers his secret girlfriend. With stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack, this poignant drama explores the depths of love, loss and obsession.
***
Come Closer is the directorial debut for Tom Nesher. It had its world premiere on June 6, 2024, at the 23rd Tribeca Festival where it picked up the Viewpoints Award and then went on to play at the Jerusalem Film Festival, where it won best Israeli feature, best actress for Lia Elalouf, and best original score. It was released in theatres across Israel in September 2024. The film was also nominated for twelve Ophir Awards, including best picture, best director, best actress and best supporting actress.
Come Closer won Best Picture at the Ophir Awards, securing its spot as Israel's official submission for the Oscars. Tom Nesher also took home the award for Best Director, while Lia Elalouf won Best Actress. "I'm very emotional; it's been a long journey," Nesher told Ynet after the win. "I didn't even think about the Oscars representation."
The film is produced by Haim Mecklberg, Estee Yacov-Mecklberg, Domenico Procacci, Laura Paolucci, Moshe and Leon Edery, Anthony Bregman, Oren and Omer Rogovin, Omri and Karni Bezalel, Tomer Mecklberg under 2-Team Productions and Likely Story.
Come Closer is a drama and it was filmed in Tel Aviv, Israel.
To check out all previous submissions for Israel, click HERE.
STARRING: Lia Elalouf, Darya Rosenn, Netta Garti, Ido Tako, Yaakov Zada Daniel
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 47 minutes
LANGUAGE: Hebrew
When her beloved brother dies, Eden's grief takes a dangerous turn as she discovers his secret girlfriend. With stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack, this poignant drama explores the depths of love, loss and obsession.
***
Come Closer is the directorial debut for Tom Nesher. It had its world premiere on June 6, 2024, at the 23rd Tribeca Festival where it picked up the Viewpoints Award and then went on to play at the Jerusalem Film Festival, where it won best Israeli feature, best actress for Lia Elalouf, and best original score. It was released in theatres across Israel in September 2024. The film was also nominated for twelve Ophir Awards, including best picture, best director, best actress and best supporting actress.
Come Closer won Best Picture at the Ophir Awards, securing its spot as Israel's official submission for the Oscars. Tom Nesher also took home the award for Best Director, while Lia Elalouf won Best Actress. "I'm very emotional; it's been a long journey," Nesher told Ynet after the win. "I didn't even think about the Oscars representation."
The film is produced by Haim Mecklberg, Estee Yacov-Mecklberg, Domenico Procacci, Laura Paolucci, Moshe and Leon Edery, Anthony Bregman, Oren and Omer Rogovin, Omri and Karni Bezalel, Tomer Mecklberg under 2-Team Productions and Likely Story.
Come Closer is a drama and it was filmed in Tel Aviv, Israel.
To check out all previous submissions for Israel, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“Do you believe there’s life after death?”
Come Closer, Tom Nesher’s fearless feature debut, is a stunning exploration of grief, identity, and unexpected intimacy that resonates deeply, drawing the audience into a web of raw emotion and haunting allure. Led by a breakout performance from Lia Elalouf as Eden, the film takes us on a turbulent journey through loss, anger, and healing. Nesher crafts a compelling narrative where the boundaries between friendship, attraction, and obsession blur, offering a portrayal of mourning that is as unorthodox as it is profound. The movie’s nuanced storytelling keeps viewers on edge, questioning the true motivations of its characters at every turn.
Elalouf shines as Eden, a Tel Aviv It Girl whose carefree life is upended by the sudden death of her younger brother, Nati. With her magnetic screen presence and ability to convey complex, conflicting emotions, Elalouf embodies Eden's pain and confusion, creating a character both captivating and flawed. Her portrayal is strikingly human; she makes Eden’s impulsive and often reckless behavior understandable, even when it’s uncomfortable to watch. Opposite her, Darya Rosenn’s understated performance as Maya, Nati’s secret girlfriend, brings a sense of vulnerability and quiet strength, complementing Elalouf's intensity. Together, they deliver some of the most compelling on-screen chemistry in recent memory, anchoring the story’s emotional core.
The evolving relationship between Eden and Maya is the heart of Come Closer, and Nesher masterfully develops this with both subtlety and tension. What begins as a tense confrontation gradually transforms into a bond built on shared grief and need, navigating the fine line between friendship and something much deeper. Nesher’s nuanced writing leaves room for ambiguity, allowing audiences to interpret Eden’s motivations. Are her actions rooted in genuine affection, jealousy, or even a need to reclaim her brother’s memory? The relationship’s progression is both beautiful and unsettling, making the film as much a psychological thriller as it is a drama.
Nesher’s direction also shows remarkable confidence in balancing heavy themes with moments of dark humor. Come Closer doesn’t shy away from making its audience uncomfortable; instead, it delves into the complexities of mourning in ways that feel real and unfiltered. Eden’s bizarre grieving rituals, including a haunting scene where she dons her brother’s clothes in a bid to feel closer to him, showcase Nesher’s willingness to explore the deeply personal and often messy facets of loss. These moments are brought to life with both audacity and authenticity, creating an immersive experience that challenges viewers’ perceptions of grief.
Come Closer is an exceptional debut that cements Tom Nesher as a bold new voice in filmmaking. Lia Elalouf’s unforgettable performance and the film’s rich, layered storytelling make it a powerful, evocative piece that lingers long after the credits roll. Through its mix of dark humor, psychological complexity, and raw emotion, Come Closer pushes boundaries and redefines the narrative of loss, ultimately celebrating the resilience of human connection in the face of tragedy. It’s a remarkable addition to Israeli cinema and a must-see for anyone willing to embrace a story as intense as it is captivating.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“Do you believe there’s life after death?”
Come Closer, Tom Nesher’s fearless feature debut, is a stunning exploration of grief, identity, and unexpected intimacy that resonates deeply, drawing the audience into a web of raw emotion and haunting allure. Led by a breakout performance from Lia Elalouf as Eden, the film takes us on a turbulent journey through loss, anger, and healing. Nesher crafts a compelling narrative where the boundaries between friendship, attraction, and obsession blur, offering a portrayal of mourning that is as unorthodox as it is profound. The movie’s nuanced storytelling keeps viewers on edge, questioning the true motivations of its characters at every turn.
Elalouf shines as Eden, a Tel Aviv It Girl whose carefree life is upended by the sudden death of her younger brother, Nati. With her magnetic screen presence and ability to convey complex, conflicting emotions, Elalouf embodies Eden's pain and confusion, creating a character both captivating and flawed. Her portrayal is strikingly human; she makes Eden’s impulsive and often reckless behavior understandable, even when it’s uncomfortable to watch. Opposite her, Darya Rosenn’s understated performance as Maya, Nati’s secret girlfriend, brings a sense of vulnerability and quiet strength, complementing Elalouf's intensity. Together, they deliver some of the most compelling on-screen chemistry in recent memory, anchoring the story’s emotional core.
The evolving relationship between Eden and Maya is the heart of Come Closer, and Nesher masterfully develops this with both subtlety and tension. What begins as a tense confrontation gradually transforms into a bond built on shared grief and need, navigating the fine line between friendship and something much deeper. Nesher’s nuanced writing leaves room for ambiguity, allowing audiences to interpret Eden’s motivations. Are her actions rooted in genuine affection, jealousy, or even a need to reclaim her brother’s memory? The relationship’s progression is both beautiful and unsettling, making the film as much a psychological thriller as it is a drama.
Nesher’s direction also shows remarkable confidence in balancing heavy themes with moments of dark humor. Come Closer doesn’t shy away from making its audience uncomfortable; instead, it delves into the complexities of mourning in ways that feel real and unfiltered. Eden’s bizarre grieving rituals, including a haunting scene where she dons her brother’s clothes in a bid to feel closer to him, showcase Nesher’s willingness to explore the deeply personal and often messy facets of loss. These moments are brought to life with both audacity and authenticity, creating an immersive experience that challenges viewers’ perceptions of grief.
Come Closer is an exceptional debut that cements Tom Nesher as a bold new voice in filmmaking. Lia Elalouf’s unforgettable performance and the film’s rich, layered storytelling make it a powerful, evocative piece that lingers long after the credits roll. Through its mix of dark humor, psychological complexity, and raw emotion, Come Closer pushes boundaries and redefines the narrative of loss, ultimately celebrating the resilience of human connection in the face of tragedy. It’s a remarkable addition to Israeli cinema and a must-see for anyone willing to embrace a story as intense as it is captivating.
