The film All Eyes Off Me, directed by Hadas Ben Aroya, contains several explicit sex scenes that may make some viewers uncomfortable, and that may be challenging to viewers. The graphic nature of these scenes can leave viewers feeling like they are pushing their boundaries, prompting them to look away or check how long the scenes will last.
It appears that the filmmakers were aware of this potential reaction and designed the movie to address the issues affecting the romantic and sexual experiences of young people today. The film is composed of three distinct but interconnected short stories that skillfully explore these themes.
The film opens with Danny (Hadar Katz) looking for Max (Leib Levin) to inform him of her pregnancy. However, she is distracted by someone, potentially her partner, constantly trying to kiss her.
In the second story, Max's new girlfriend, Avishag (Elisheva Weil), requests rough and violent sex from him, which he reluctantly agrees to. The third part centers around Avishag's attempt to seduce Dror (Yoav Hayt), an older man whose dogs she walks while house-sitting for him. While the film has many unique elements, the central theme of all three stories is the confusion between honesty and communication.
All Eyes Off Me portrays a group of people in their twenties who are extremely comfortable with their liberation. They have no trouble discussing their abortions with strangers, sharing their sexual fantasies with their partners, or even divulging their taboo desires to their bosses.
However, their emotional depth remains indescribable, and they struggle to express their true feelings or seek support for their mental health struggles. The film also portrays homosexuality negatively, which can make some viewers uncomfortable, and the characters exhibit disdain towards overweight individuals, despite their claims of being advocates for equality.
While they have the courage to speak up in certain situations, they still struggle to be honest with the people they care about. As a viewer, it can be challenging to watch as these characters claim to support sexual and general equality, yet their actions and beliefs prove otherwise.
All Eyes Off Me skillfully employs unconventional camera angles, long pauses, bright colors, and cringe-worthy dialogue to create tension that keeps viewers uncomfortable yet engaged. These elements highlight the characters' youthfulness while preventing the film from being perceived solely as a light-hearted romance.
The three acts have their own kind of tension, ranging from feelings of confinement, ego, claustrophobia, and grotesque. This variation in tone ensures that each segment is equally compelling and keeps viewers intrigued throughout the film.
All Eyes Off Me delves deep into the complexities of communication and dishonesty within relationships, especially regarding love and sex. Weil's portrayal is particularly captivating, but as a whole, the film masterfully showcases the sadness and loneliness that can arise from mistakenly believing you're content when you are not.
What film collection would this film be suitable for?
All Eyes Off Me would be fit as a drama and romance film. It covers the sex lives and dramas of youths.
Would this film be suitable for an outdoor screening?
All Eyes Off Me is suitable for both outdoor and indoor screening, and the movie would really hit if watched on a cold day with a hot bowl of popcorn. Just make sure the kids are not around.
How would audiences react to this screening?
There are multiple ways that audiences can react. Some might take the film as a means of opening a discussion into how we look at sexuality and all the things around it. Others might be offended by the brutal way these topics are brought up.