New Israeli Film Explores Marital Change and Identity

The Israeli film "My One and Only" (Ha'echad Ve'ha'yachid Sheli), a decade in the making, delves into the profound question of whether a spouse remains the same person one married. Directed by the couple David and Elia Tauber, who studied filmmaking together, the movie aims to hold a mirror to relationships, prompting viewers to consider the evolution of their partners and themselves.

Elia Tauber explained in an interview that the film's concept originated from the unspoken tensions within marriages, stemming from the subtext that exists beneath surface-level conversations. The couple faced significant challenges in securing funding, with their initial script submissions rejected by film funds. They eventually received a grant from the Shomron Film Fund, but the budget of half a million shekels was considerably less than the typical 1.5 to 2 million shekels for Israeli films. Despite the financial constraints, they proceeded with production, enlisting the help of friends and volunteers.

The film's title itself is framed as a question about whether a partner is still the "one and only." Tauber highlighted that personal transformations are inevitable, and relationships are constantly being re-examined. Although filmed before the October 7th attacks, the movie's themes of post-trauma and individuals returning home changed resonate strongly with audiences, particularly in the context of soldiers returning from reserve duty and the psychological impact of war on couples.

"My One and Only" uniquely blends contemporary filmmaking with Jewish sources, including Midrash and Talmudic legends, a combination rarely seen in Israeli cinema. Tauber revealed that the film was inspired by a Midrash about Ashmedai and King Solomon, and that David Tauber often begins their projects with Jewish sources. The film's layered narrative has been compared to studying the Talmud, offering new insights with each viewing.

Despite originating from a religious perspective, the film has found a broad audience, surprising the filmmakers who initially worried about its reception among secular and religious viewers alike. The Taubers also maintained their commitment to religious values, such as preserving physical distance between men and women, within the film's narrative, asserting that this did not compromise the quality of their cinematic work. The production schedule was also adapted to accommodate their four children, with filming spread over more than six months to avoid disrupting family life.