GETT, THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM World Cinema

Viviane Amsalem desperately craves a divorce. But in Israel, this falls to the rabbinical court, which demands a husband’s blessing. Despite being separated from her for years, Vivane’s husband refuses; he won’t even appear at proceedings. Thus begins a series of lengthy indignities for Viviane as she defends herself against oppressive laws that threaten her freedom. The narrative unfolds entirely within a tiny courtroom, a captivating conceit that achieves claustrophobic wonders thanks to expressive performances, expert staging and the unconventional directorial vision of siblings Ronit and Shlomi Elkabetz. A powerful critique of socioeconomic, faith and gender politics is packed into this airtight script, vividly realized by co-director Ronit’s spellbinding turn as Viviane. The third film in a trilogy exploring the dissolution of a marriage, GETT stands on its own as a searing work of art.