In Between

The debut feature film of female director Maysaloun Hamoud shows she is clearly not afraid of confronting hot-button issues. In Between takes on themes of oppression and backwards ideology head-on, shining a vital light on the lives of oppressed women. The central three characters each suffer differently from the restrictions of their culture and Hamoud expertly balances the focus of the film between the leads, with each character given ample room to develop. 

The most affecting thread follows the shy and religiously devout Noor (Shaden Kanboura), who moves in with Leila (Mouna Hawa) and Salma (Sana Jammelieh), two free-living and rebellious friends who couldn't be more different to Noor. While this initially leads to a number of amusing clashes, Noor's story takes a darker turn as the issues between her and her fiance lead to disturbing clashes, addressing themes of patriarchy and abuse. 

But by sharing the story with Leila and Salma, the film also offers a vital view on familial differences and bigotry, leading to a vital and necessary commentary not just on modern Israel but on the wider world.

The main trio act so natural that it oftens feel like we, the audience, are a fly on the wall, observing the lives of these women as they fight against the restrictions placed on their lives. A small but colorful cast of supporting characters move in and out of the proceedings but for the most part, Hamoud keeps the camera firmly on Noor, Leila and Salma and the film is all the better for it.

In Between takes on the clash between old and new with a vibrancy and energy while never detracting from the gravitas of the themes it deals with. The three leads are brilliant in their naturalistic performances, playing vital roles in a film that should be widely seen and discussed by many.