Yossi

The events unfold in contemporary Israel, with a urban medical world and personal life in flux. Online dating and social dynamics of the era color Yossi's attempts to connect. The narrative is threaded by memories of past conflicts, notably the Lebanon War, shaping present decisions.

Tel Aviv is depicted as a modern, bustling urban center with a prominent hospital where Yossi works. The story also travels to the southern stretches of Israel, including a rest stop near the Sinai coast and the resort city of Eilat, showcasing a desert-coast landscape adjacent to the border. The setting contrasts crowded city life with quieter, sun-soaked southern locales.

🌈 Identity

Yossi's sexual identity and fear of disclosure drive much of his behavior, from guarded hookups to whispered rumors at the hospital. He hides his true self behind a demanding medical career and routine. The film explores the cost of living in secrecy and the possibility of self-acceptance when he encounters authentic connection.

💔 Loneliness

Despite professional success, Yossi experiences a deep sense of isolation and longing. His body image, age, and grief compound his vulnerability in intimate encounters. Tender moments with Tom offer glimpses of relief and the chance for real closeness.

🕯️ Grief

The memory of his dead lover, and the two-year relationship with Jagger, colors every choice Yossi makes. The revelation of Jagger's death in Lebanon and the reaction of his family heighten the emotional stakes. Grief is portrayed as a persistent presence that shapes present decisions.

🤝 Connection

The story suggests that intimate bonds can form across boundaries of age, sexuality, and fear. Tom's openness and their evolving relationship offer a path beyond loneliness, especially during their time near the coast. The southern trip becomes a space for vulnerability and potential new beginnings.