Wedding Doll

Hagit, portrayed by Moran Rosenblatt, is a 24-year-old woman residing with her mother, Sarah, in the scenic town of Mitzpe Ramon. Living with a mild intellectual disability, which manifests in her slow speech and a somewhat stunted intellectual maturity, Hagit is constantly striving for independence. Employed at a modest toilet paper factory run by Arie (Arieh Tchernar) and his wife Pnina (Aviva Ger), she shares the workspace with Omri, the couple’s son, brought to life by Roy Assaf.

Sarah, a single mom grappling with the challenges of raising Hagit, works tirelessly as a hotel housekeeper. Her concern for Hagit’s well-being leads her to become overly protective, often frustrating her daughter who yearns to assert her independence in life. Despite Sarah’s attempts to pair her with someone of similar capabilities, like Elad (Aviv Elkabetz), Hagit’s heart is set on Omri, the object of her affection who shows her genuine kindness.

Adding complexity to their dynamic is Chen (Tomer Kapon), Hagit’s married brother, who remains distant. He believes it would be in Hagit’s best interest to transition to a group home, a sentiment echoed by Moshe, Sarah’s ex-husband.

Hagit’s burgeoning love for Omri, though tinged with the awareness of his pity, fuels her dreams of a future together. They often find solace sitting on cliffs overlooking the stunning Ramon Crater, sharing deep conversations and tender moments, such as light kisses. Hagit’s creative side shines through at the factory as she fashions a paper bride doll, while Omri crafts a groom from the same material—a beautiful representation of their growing bond.

From another angle, Sarah’s endeavors for her own romantic life are hindered by Hagit’s dependence on her. Her struggles to cultivate a relationship with Chaim (Oded Leopold) are intensified by her reluctance to leave Hagit alone for any length of time.

However, the factory’s financial woes weigh heavily on everyone involved, particularly with Arie contemplating a shutdown despite Omri’s passionate objections. In a bid to turn things around, Omri contemplates acquiring new equipment and borrows money from his friends, Eli (Yehuda Nahari Halevi) and Simon (Oudi Peri). However, Arie, upon witnessing a kiss between Hagit and Omri, insists that his son pursue studies in Canada, casting a shadow over their budding relationship.

As Omri prepares to leave, his friends organize a farewell gathering at the factory, which Hagit innocently misinterprets as a wedding celebration. Arriving in a wedding dress crafted from toilet paper rolls, she is met with mockery from Eli and Simon, while Omri, in his discomfort, fails to defend her, leading to a heart-wrenching climax where Hagit flees into the night, utterly broken.

Following a frantic search, Sarah finds Hagit on the roadside, and the two return home. In a poignant twist, Sarah resolves to place Hagit in a group home for her own safety. As they drive towards this new chapter, Hagit mournfully extends her paper bride doll out the window, watching as it drifts away—a powerful symbol of her relinquished dreams and unfulfilled yearnings for a life of love and partnership.

Last Updated: December 24, 2024 at 10:01