In modern day Israel, Viviane (Elkabetz) seeks to divorce her husband Elisha (Abkarian). Only a rabbinical court can issue a divorce decree (a “gett”), but even then the husband can refuse to accept it. Elisha does everything in his power to delay the process and proves intractable in granting the gett. Over a period of five years, Viviane’s lawyer Carmel (Noy) and Elisha’s brother (Gabay) present their arguments before three rabbis. A stream of witnesses is brought in to testify for each party.

Israel’s selection for the 2015 Academy Awards, this drama is set almost entirely in a one-room courthouse where the riveting action plays out on the faces of the protagonists. Heightened by expert use of POV camerawork, the tension is palpable despite the hyper-verbal script and confined location. Writer/director and acclaimed actress Ronit gives a stunning performance of quiet strength. Tackling an archaic, chauvinistic system with keen insight and intelligence, the Elkabetz siblings present a topical, searing tour de force.