A film generating considerable buzz on the Festival circuit before the lockdown is the brand-new Israeli LGBTQ drama 15 YEARS, written and directed by Yuval Hadadi.
The fifteenth anniversary celebrations marking a key point in the relationship of architect Yoav (Oded Leopold) and lawyer Dan (Udi Persi) are tainted emotionally by the news that best friend Alma (Ruti Asarsai) has become pregnant in her early 40s, an announcement she makes during a new exhibition of her work as an artist.
The perspective of both Yoav and Dan, despite their bond as a couple, is differing, with Dan looking to consider the possibility of fatherhood, whilst Yoav is very brutal and vocal in his feelings about the prospect of becoming morally responsible for a child in the world. Yoav’s feelings come to the fore, firstly during the celebrations and then in a more intimate discussion with Dan, which ignites the blue touch paper and begins to cause major friction in their long-term relationship.
It is this simple conflict that becomes the tip of the volcano for Dan and Yoav – and whether or not their relationship has a future…
A cosmopolitan energy begets 15 YEARS in its very frank and honest assessment of a civil partnership in crisis. At its heart is a very grounded and heightened story of lost love amongst an old generation who are all trying to find a place in the world.
The exterior and interior worlds are presented in crystal sharp cinematography, thanks to Yaniv Linton’s comprehensive eye, based on experience in documentaries and short films prior to this film. However, visuals are nothing without the very structured and well-written screenplay which is part of the reason why the film has become such a favourite on the festival circuit.
15 YEARS is a simply-presented, complex character study of how even the simplest point of conflict can mushroom into something a lot more important for all parties concerned – and the truth that even after a long time of bonding and togetherness, there is always something challenging to deal with regardless of how happy you can be in life – and how far you still need to go to achieve the happiness sought.
