Karaoke (2022)

Director: Moshe Rosenthal

Starring: Sasson Gabay, Rita Shukrun, Lior Ashkenazi

A married middle class couple finds themselves drawn to their new neighbor, a charismatic bachelor who hosts karaoke nights in his apartment.

As someone who doesn’t enjoy karaoke myself, I was tempted to watch the movie for one reason only: Sasson Gabay. I’m glad I did, because this movie isn’t so much about karaoke; it’s about wat happens because of karaoke parties.

Meir (Sasson Gabay) and Tova (Rita Shukrun) have been married for 46 years, and they have two grown-up daugthers. Meir is a teacher, an ordinary guy who doesn’t talk much or express his feelings. Tova is the opposite, but restrained because of Meir. When they meet Itzik (Lior Ashkenazi) – a wealthy and influential bachelor – everything is about to change.

When Itzik parks Meir in in his parking bay, Itzik apologizes and invites them to his apartment. Tova immediately connects with Itzik, while Itzik seems to have more appreciation for Meir. In Itzik’s presence, Tova is like a caterpillar who becomes a butterfly, while Meir is…well, Meir.

After an intimate conversation with Itzik, Meir becomes more confident and slowly starts to transform – and I absolutely loved this character development. As he begins to change, it rubs off on Tova and together they experience feelings they haven’t felt in a while.

They become obsessed with visiting Itzik – also individually and for very different reasons. Eventually, as Itzik starts entertaining more guests, they become jealous of his divided attention, and of each other. The film could easily have become very dramatic, but thanks to a lighthearted narration it never does. Sure, there are dramatic moments, but they never outweigh the fun of the movie.

‘Karaoke’ is a beautifully filmed movie, and carried by good performances and a hauntingly beautiful score. Sasson Gabay is absolutely wonderful in a stunningly sincere performance. ‘Karaoke’ is an absolute delight! It is a film about self-discovery, and pursuing one’s dreams.

‘Karaoke’ received 24 award nominations, winning 8 including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Original Music, Best Screenplay, Best Director. Among the nominations, were for Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Makeup, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Film. (The film received 14 Ophir Award nominations, which is similar to the Oscars, or the Israeli Oscars if you will.)

In Hebrew.

Would I watch it again? Yes.