Like Me (Hebrew)

At an outset, this film feels like a coming of age film about a 18 year old teenager struggling between his sexuality, his failing relationship with his father and him being secretly involve with his best friend. The very first scene f he film sets the tone when we see our protagonist Tom (not yet 18) climbing out of bed with two other men exploring his sexuality and also well aware that youth is on his side.

The story is basic. Young Tom has a failing relationship with his father. We are not told exactly why, but I think t is to do with Tom's sexuality and as kid he used to dress up like girls. So one day, he gives an ultimatum that he should move out pf the house in 2 weeks. Tom works part time at a pizzeria. To the outside world and his friends, Tom pretends to be straight and interested in girls, but in reality he’s fallen hard for his best friend Gilad. But Gilad is in love with a girl who completes the trip of this best friends circle. One day Tom meets a photographer Rami online, who takes a liking for him and promises him a good career. Finally Tom feels loved but cannot still get Gilad out of his head. Lacking direction, Tom longs to be with Gilad but hedges his bets with Rami, who takes advantage of him but offers to pay him well. When school ends, Gilad's girlfriend is going him a hard time and the is when Tom makes his one and the two best friends end up sleeping together. Thinking that Gilad will return his love, Tom breaks up with the photographer, only to be completely snubbed by Gilad also. 

I don't think the film is trying to make any point here but shows how an aimless directionless teenager is struggling with pretty much everything around him. Nothing seems to be going in his favor: be it love family, job, or friends but he tries to be positive and years for love from his best friend Gilad. There are interesting dynamics explored in the film. For example the whole situation between Tom and Rami. As Tom needs cash, and a place to live, he’s initially happy to take Rami’s seemingly generous offer. He completely ignores the fact that Rami is pushing him to agree to nude photographs and exploiting him, and he also misunderstands that by doing what he’s asked he’s giving Rami a hold over him. But secretly, Tom hopes against hopes that Gilad will he his forever and that they have a connection. Them sleeping together does test the limit of their friendship but next day Gilad is very clear that it was just a drunken night for him. A confused Tom, unequipped to deal with any of this situation is just trying to navigate through life and school. The film ends with the two friends getting onto a full on fight. The actor playing Tom does a good job of playing a teenager who is getting himself into situations without really caring for consequences. HE is a young naive man who is doing whatever he can, just to get by in life. His family and financial situation is never really made clear to us so it is hard. He is not traditionally handsome, (maybe for me) especially when compared to extremely hot Gilad and Rami; but when it comes to performance he does a splendid job. Overall the direction is also superb but my main problem is the film is that it notifying trying to say something. It is a slice of life chapter about Tom trying to be entertaining. It also deals with the reality of growing up gay and learning to correctly read the situations and signals around you. Every event somehow leads to his downfall without being shown any affection. I do feel bad for Tom, because if I was in his situation, I wouldn't know what to do, but as a film, I think, a proper ending would have made me feel better. (6/10)