What it is about
The film ‘Come Closer’ tells the poignant story of Eden (Lia Elalouf), a young woman from Tel Aviv who is grappling with the loss of her younger brother, Nati (Ido Tako), and her journey towards healing.
Why it matters
This film is significant as it provides a deeply personal and touching exploration of grief and recovery. Director Tom Nesher’s work is particularly impactful, given it’s inspired by her own brother’s tragic death. Moreover, ‘Come Closer’ has become a symbol of Israeli resilience and has garnered international acclaim, winning awards in both Israel and around the world.
The Backstory
Tom Nesher, 27, began writing the screenplay for ‘Come Closer’ not long after her brother Ari Nesher was killed by a hit-and-run driver six years ago. This film became a lifeline for her, helping Tom navigate through her emotional turmoil and return to finding beauty, laughter, and passion in life.
Her film has resonated with many, particularly given the context of recent tragedies in Israel. Nesher mentions a poignant reminder of the price of conflict: “For my generation, 18-30, everyone knows someone who died this year.” This shared sense of loss connects audiences deeply with her movie.
Award-Winning Recognition
‘Come Closer’ has already won several prestigious awards, such as the Viewpoints Award at the Tribeca Festival and the Best Israeli Debut Film Award at the Jerusalem Film Festival. It recently won four Ophir Awards, including Best Picture, which makes it Israel’s official selection for consideration as a Best International Feature Oscar.
What they’re saying
Nesher observed different audience reactions: “When we were in New York, people were laughing so hard at the funny scenes, and at the very end, they were crying… In Israel, people cry in such unexpected places, amplifying the emotional resonance of the film given the recent events.”
Tom Nesher’s Cinematic Journey
Before stepping into the world of feature filmmaking, Nesher had a robust background as a news editor and anchor, as well as creating documentary pieces. Her prestigious education includes studying screenwriting at the Sam Spiegel School for Film and Television in Jerusalem.
Despite her deep connections with the film industry — she is the daughter of acclaimed filmmaker Avi Nesher — Tom worked hard to establish her own voice and identity in filmmaking, a journey which this film symbolizes strongly.
A Meticulously Crafted Story
‘Come Closer’ was produced with impeccable attention to detail over a swift 20-day shooting schedule. Everything from costumes sourced from personal closets to a soundtrack featuring Israeli music showcases Nesher’s desire for authenticity and reflection of contemporary Israeli youth culture.
Structured around intimacy and emotional depth, the film blends humor with romance, presenting an engaging narrative that manages to discuss profound themes of loss and recovery while still being entertaining.
The Lasting Impact
Tom Nesher’s ‘Come Closer’ stands as a testament to the ability of storytelling and cinema to transform personal grief into a work of art that resonates across cultures and generations. As Nesher says, “It was important to me to make a film that Ari would have loved,” capturing not just a cinema of quality and depth, but a memorial that speaks to everyone fortunate to be alive today.
This story was first published on jpost.com.