Rent Here We Are (2020)

Warm-hearted study of autism and parent-child co-dependence - Here We Are review by PD

Nir Bergman’s tender piece is a warm, multi-faceted look at how autism plays into parent-child co-dependence.

The set-up centres on dad Aharon , beautifully played by Shai Avivi, and his young adult son Uri (a thoroughly convincing Noah Imber). Aharon, separated from wife Tamara, has given up a lucrative career to become a full-time carer for Uri, who is on the autistic spectrum (it is never explicitly spelled out but it isn't necessary). Uri’s life is marked by unbreakable routines: watching Charlie Chaplin on a portable DVD player, eating only pasta stars, not stepping on the lines in the pavement, etc. The conflict comes when Tamara, realising that at some point Uri will need to fend for himself, enrols him in an assisted living facility. Although Uri is scared and reluctant to go, it is Aharon who cannot sanction the move and, convinced he is best placed to raise his son, the pair go on the run. The ensuing 'road trip' avoids the usual comedic cliches or schmaltzy father-son moments, and drawing inspiration from her own family, screenwriter Dana Idisis crafts an understated connection, keenly observing the realities of dealing with an autistic child, be it through the novel coping strategies employed to make life manageable, or simply by the need to stay quiet. It makes 'Rain Man' feel artificial and forced by comparison and that's quite a compliment to all involved, for Imber pays Uri as a rounded person, not just someone with a disability, and Avivi is superb as a patient, caring father who starts to realise the limits of his love. Whether it is his low-level but constantly on-guard state of alertness —his panic in a scene where Uri goes missing is palpable — or quietly delighting in his son laughing at City Lights, he gives 'Here We Are' a big heart without a trace of sentimentality, and that's quite something.

A wonderful, unsentimental exploration of father/son relationship, great script, Israel-Italian film - Here We Are review by PV

I was not sure what to expect from this - most such films are slushy, schmaltzy, overly sentimental and I expected that here.

HOW WRONG I WAS! This was a revelation, no slush of schmaltz here at all, instead a warm, emotional, bittersweet film with a wonderful ending (no spoilers) which even tugged my heart strings (some may cry). I did not expect that.

Superb script, not overlong at 90 minutes, brilliant acting all round - I have no idea if the actor playing the son is actually autistic.

The father was a well-written complex character, capable of doing good and bad things, and I felt for him watching this - the script is superb. Israeli-Italian coproduction, which maybe helped.

I am actually surprised it was not nominated for an Oscar or other awards. It is WAY better than RAINMAN tbh. I disliked that movie for some reason.

I give this a clear 5 stars. Probably the best Israeli film I have ever seen.