Fill the Void

Shira Mendelman, an 18-year-old Hasidic girl in Tel Aviv, eagerly awaits her arranged marriage to a young man she loves. This period is filled with excitement and hope as she dreams about her future.

During the festive occasion of Purim, tragedy strikes the Mendelman family when Shira's older sister, Esther, dies while giving birth. The family is engulfed in grief, profoundly affecting everyone, particularly Shira.

In the wake of Esther's death, Shira's father decides to postpone her engagement. He believes that moving forward with the marriage would create a sense of emptiness in the grieving household.

Esther's husband, Yochay, begins visiting the Mendelman household regularly, bringing along their infant son, Mordechai. Shira finds herself taking care of Mordechai, deepening her connection with Yochay.

Yochay's mother approaches Shira's mother, Rivka, to discuss the prospect of Yochay remarrying for the sake of little Mordechai. The suggestion of a match with a widow in Belgium creates tension within the Mendelman family.

Instead of considering the widow in Belgium, Rivka suggests that Yochay should marry Shira. This proposal introduces complicated emotions for both Shira and Yochay, as they both initially hesitate.

With the engagement she once looked forward to now off the table, Shira starts to contemplate the possibility of marrying Yochay. She grapples with her feelings as she weighs her dreams against the reality of her situation.

Frieda, a friend of Esther who never received marriage proposals, tells Shira that Esther would have preferred Yochay to marry her instead. This news prompts Shira to suggest that Yochay should consider Frieda as a potential match.

Shira's suggestion about Frieda does not sit well with Yochay, creating a rift between the two. Both struggle with their feelings as they navigate the expectations placed upon them by their families.

Faced with mounting pressure and unresolved feelings, Yochay decides to move to Belgium to marry the widow he was initially discussed with. This development leaves Shira feeling conflicted and pressured by her family to proceed with her engagement.

Despite her family's insistence, the rabbi senses Shira's uncertainty about marrying Yochay and refuses to sanction their union. This rejection forces Shira to confront her true feelings about the situation.

As the weeks pass, Shira begins to realize that she is meant to be with Yochay and Mordechai. This revelation prompts her to summon the courage to pursue her feelings and desires for a life with them.

Determined to make her wishes known, Shira approaches the rabbi once more to express her desire to marry Yochay. After hearing her heartfelt conviction, he ultimately agrees to bless their marriage.

The film culminates in a hopeful wedding ceremony, where Shira and Yochay finally unite as a family. Their marriage marks a new beginning amidst the emotional complexities their journey entailed.