Cert 15
89 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong sex, nudity
It is such a pity that the Oscars focus on English language films and there is just one category over which the rest of world cinema has to battle.
If it were a level playing field, Dana Ivgy would surely have been nominated for her astonishing performance in Asaf Korman's Next To Her,
Ivgy plays Gaby, a mentally disabled woman, with similar conviction to Daniel Day Lewis's portrayal of Christy Brown in My Left Foot.
She is looked after by her sister, Chelli (Liron Ben-Shlush), who is under pressure from social services to take her into day care.
Next To Her is an exploration of sisterly love as well as the examination of the life of a young woman with severe learning difficulties.
For example, Gaby depends on routine and she has an explosive reaction when that is disrupted.
Actually, each sister's life is so embroiled in the other's that it is fascinating to see the reactions of both when other people enter their bubble.
This particularly applies when Chelli develops a love interest in a work colleague (Yaakov Zada Daniel).
Korman's film is compelling if, at times, distressing.. However, the quality of its acting makes it a very worthwhile watch.
Reasons to watch: Dana Ivgy's superb performance
Reasons to avoid: Distressing scenes
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: yes
Overall rating: 8/10