My Michael

The story unfolds in 1950 Jerusalem, a time of post-war adjustment and nation-building. Institutions like the Hebrew University symbolize intellectual life amid changing social norms. Domestic life and personal turmoil play out against the backdrop of a city finding its footing in a new era.

Set in Jerusalem, the film centers around the Terra Sancta Building which houses the Hebrew University and anchors the students’ daily lives. The city's working-class neighborhoods provide the backdrop for Hana and Michael's domestic routine. The setting reflects a post-war Jerusalem navigating education, family, and personal longing.

💔 Marital Strain

Hana and Michael's marriage is emotionally unfulfilling, with a growing distance between them as Michael focuses on his research. Hana's longing for intimacy clashes with his indifference, highlighting the tension between duty and desire. The couple's disconnect drives much of Hana's inner conflict.

🕰️ Nostalgia

Hana clings to memories of a pre-war world, including her childhood with Arab neighbors in Katamon. Those memories contrast with her present monotony, shaping her perceptions of love and belonging. Nostalgia becomes a lens through which she evaluates her current life.

🧠 Isolation

Hana's domestic routine fosters a sense of isolation and fragility as she observes others’ struggles and feels herself slipping away. The emotional distance from Michael amplifies her inner turmoil. The close-knit urban setting intensifies her sense of being watched and observed.

🔥 Desire

Hana's unfulfilled sexuality fuels fantasies about intimacy with past neighbors and a different life. The tension with her own marriage is underscored by longing for connection beyond social norms. These desires drive her mood and choices, even if they remain unacted.

📚 Intellect vs Domestic

Michael's laser focus on geology contrasts with Hana's growing boredom at home. Their divergent priorities create emotional distance and challenge their partnership. The tension between intellectual pursuit and domestic life shapes their relationship.

🏘️ Community & Neighborhood

The Jerusalem neighborhood, with its close-knit blocks and varied characters, informs daily life and social expectations. Hana's tutoring of Yoram and the nearby neighbors’ struggles reveal the complexities of communal ties. The community acts as a pressure cooker for personal desires and conformity.