Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness is a 2015 American drama film directed by Jill Soloway and written by Soloway along with Matthew Sonnenfeld. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2015. The film revolves around Ely (played by Matthew Broderick), a former rabbinical student who has lost his way in life. His struggles are not just external but also a deeply personal and existential crisis within himself. Ely's past as a rabbinical student has left a profound impact on his present, influencing his relationships and self-perception. As the film unfolds, we see Ely in an in-between state - suspended between his intellectual aspirations and the stark reality of his present. Ely is portrayed as a character torn between his desires and obligations. His desire to be a rabbi is juxtaposed with the harsh realities of family responsibilities and his own sense of inadequacy. These contradictions manifest themselves in the form of anxiety attacks, sleep deprivation, and an inability to connect with his family and loved ones. One of the central themes of the film is the search for meaning and purpose. Ely's struggles are a metaphor for the human condition, a search for identity and a desperate attempt to find one's place in the world. His past serves as a catalyst for his present anxieties, and it is in confronting these past demons that Ely begins to find some semblance of peace. Throughout the film, Ely's relationships with those around him are a crucial aspect of his narrative. His interactions with his wife, Ellen (played by Rachel Keller), and his daughter, Maya (played by Rachel Wiener), serve as a backdrop for his emotional struggles. Their patience, love, and frustration towards Ely highlight the complexities of relationships and the impact of a person's actions on those around him. The film also explores the concept of spirituality and faith in a non-traditional manner. Ely's background as a rabbinical student provides a starting point for his exploration of spirituality. However, it is not his faith that provides him with peace, but rather his connection with the people around him and his acceptance of his present circumstances. This nuanced portrayal of faith serves as a counterpoint to traditional notions of spirituality, highlighting the complexities of human experience. Visually, the film employs a unique narrative technique by using flashbacks, voiceovers, and a dreamlike quality to convey Ely's inner struggle. The train that Ely boards at the beginning serves as a metaphor for his journey, symbolizing his descent into the depths of his own subconscious. The black and white cinematography effectively captures the somber and introspective tone of the film, emphasizing Ely's inner turmoil. The performances in Motion Sickness are a key aspect of the film's success. Matthew Broderick brings a depth and nuance to the character of Ely, conveying the complexity of his emotions through subtle mannerisms and expressions. The supporting cast, including Rachel Keller and Rachel Wiener, deliver equally impressive performances, adding depth and richness to the narrative. In conclusion, Motion Sickness is a thought-provoking drama that delves into the complexities of the human experience. Through Ely's struggles, the film offers a nuanced portrayal of relationships, faith, and identity, highlighting the search for meaning and purpose that is inherent in all of us.