Fill the Void

2013 • 90 minutes

About this movie

A devout 18-year-old Israeli is pressured to marry the husband of her late sister. Declaring her independence is not an option in Tel Aviv's ultra-Orthodox Hasidic community, where religious law, tradition and the rabbi's word are absolute.

Ratings and reviews

This is a fascinating look into the world of the Orthodox from their own point of view, with no apologies or explanations, and no concern for a viewer's condemnation. There are wonderful performances all around in a story that makes no apologies for itself and how the forces that drive the characters and the culture differ from the secular world. As in the less successful "Menashe," there are no antagonists, just the force of tradition mandating what is best for the herd. Courtesy and compassion are extended to the only victim, but the forces against them are inexorable. There is a young woman at the center who who feels the most among so many who are just as sincere. But they are driven by that tradition instead of the notion of "conscience" or "personal integrity" which is of no consequence in the social order the centuries of custom have determined the Divine has intended for them. This does not feel like an overtly critical story of the oppression of a devout culture, forever victim to its unquestioning tradition of how life must be lived. The film and the culture are too sincerely felt. Not a drop of criticism can be leveled against anyone among a flood of agonizing pa

This is the first movie I've seen which portrays the "ultra orthodox" as real people with real lives. It is moving and thought-provoking. The camera work was excellent as well.

Very strict world! But apparently ultra Orthhodox are the one who are able to appreciate and enjoy life more then everyone. Very nice movie !