Zero Motivation

Zohar (Dana Ivgy) and Daffi (Neli Tagar) are making their way back to Shizafón, the isolated IDF base where they serve in Personnel. Their unit is filled with a mix of incompetents, including Irena (Tamara Klingon), and two overly enthusiastic ditzes, Livnat (Heli Twito) and Liat (Meytal Gal), who relentlessly fill the air with their off-key duets. At the helm is the stern and domineering Rama (Shani Klein), reminiscent of Nurse Ratched, completely invested in her version of military discipline.

Daffi finds herself in a position she despises as the Chief Paper Shredder and has repeatedly crafted pleas to transfer to the more vibrant Kiryáh in Tel Aviv, dreaming of glamourous lunches at Azrieli Towers. However, unbeknownst to Daffi, Zohar has stashed those appeals away, fearing the loneliness that Daffi’s departure would bring her. Just as Daffi’s frustrations reach a boiling point, a new recruit, Tehila (Yonit Tobi), appears, prompting Daffi to believe her transfer wishes have been granted. Without hesitation, she begins to train Tehila, thinking of her as the perfect replacement.

That evening, a dramatic scene unfolds as Eitan ([Moshe Ashkenazi]) and his girlfriend, Anat ([Dana Meinrath]), are interrupted by Tehila, who, against the rules, has donned a borrowed uniform to see Eitan. Tehila, still infatuated with him, reveals her feelings passionately, but her hopes are shattered when Anat emerges from hiding, leading to Tehila fleeing in despair. In a tragic turn, the following morning, the girls awaken to a blood-soaked scene, discovering Tehila’s lifeless body, which quickly draws the ire of Rama toward the Personnel team.

As the story progresses, Zohar’s bed collapses, making her reluctant to occupy the empty bed that once belonged to Tehila. Irena decides to take that spot, but soon finds herself haunted by Tehila’s ghost, resulting in her becoming catatonic. Struggling with the consequences, Daffi resolves to attain her transfer through officer training, but instead of her much-desired position at the Kiryáh, she is informed that she will replace Rama at Shizafón, leading to a cascade of tears.

Meanwhile, mockery ensues as the other girls taunt Zohar about her virginity, compelling her to take action. She seduces a reservist, planning to meet him at night. However, the encounter takes a dark turn as Zohar faces an attempted assault. In a shocking twist, Irena intervenes, threatening Zohar’s assailant with his own weapon. This confrontation sends shockwaves through the base as Zohar and Irena find themselves at the mercy of Rama’s strict orders.

In the climactic final act, Daffi steps into the role of commander, but her authority is under constant ridicule from the very soldiers she now leads. In retaliation, Zohar publicly displays Daffi’s unfiled transfer requests, turning them into fodder for laughs. This escalating prank leads to chaos as Daffi inadvertently deletes crucial files while trying to unearth Zohar’s games. Ultimately, the two reconcile in detention, bonding over shared experiences and ridiculous antics, with Zohar enjoying a budding romance with the IT guy. The tale concludes with Zohar leaving the base for Tel Aviv, a new chapter in her life set against the backdrop of the iconic Azrieli Towers on the horizon.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:30