Israeli Film 'My One and Only' Blends Talmudic Mysticism with Identity Shifts in a Playful Way

The Israeli film "My One and Only" creatively combines two distinct traditions: mystical Talmudic legends about demons and the cinematic motif of people mysteriously swapping identities. Directed and written by David Tauber and produced by his wife Elia Tauber, the film opens with a fast-paced, focused narrative that gradually becomes more complex and diffuse.

The story centers on Talya Bartfeld's character, a newly observant woman who, shortly after giving birth, discovers that her husband (played by Nadav Antman-Ron) has been replaced by someone who looks like him but is fundamentally different. Seeking help, she turns to her rabbanit (Navit Sitbon), who doubts her sanity, while her husband’s rabbi suggests she be more attentive. This leads to involvement from a former teacher (Zohar Strauss), who himself seems to have changed.

Tauber, who wears a kippah himself, draws on his longstanding fascination with Talmudic mysticism, reincarnation, and demons. The film also taps into a recurring cinematic theme of identity swaps seen in works by directors like David Lynch and Christopher Nolan. Beyond the husband’s replacement, the film features multiple identity shifts, including actress swaps, a mother returning altered from exorcism, and a grandfather changed by war or alien abduction.

While the film’s energy and humor are praised, its many subplots and frequent deep dives into Talmudic texts, including Aramaic narration, sometimes hinder clarity and pacing. The cinematography by Yosef Shalest starts strong but later adopts mannerisms reminiscent of older films like "Parker Lewis Can't Lose." Ultimately, the film is interpreted as exploring the difficulty of adapting to changes in loved ones, though this theme is simpler than the film’s ambitious style.

Despite some narrative and stylistic unevenness, "My One and Only" remains an enjoyable, inventive Israeli film that stands out for its unique blend of religious tradition and contemporary cinematic motifs, making it worth watching.