French

During a manicure, a woman discovers that her friend is being dishonest.

Taking place almost entirely inside one room, this story follows a situation between two friends (or maybe more accurately a quarrel) that turns more and more tense and dramatic.

These two friends are Alona (Yaron) and Sari (Shimon) and they are inside the latter's home, where Alona's nails are being done by Sari, who is a beautician. Following some innocent chit-chat, Sari proceeds to reveal her suspicions that Alona is lying to her regarding having treatment at another beauty salon. Alona repeatedly denies it, however Sari persists. The confrontation escalates and Seri threatens to ban her from her business, unless she confesses.

This short story from Israel is basically an argument between two individuals. An argument involving lies, accusations, self-reflection and stubbornness. Sari's insistence that Alona admits her dishonesty is what moves the plot forward, her refusal to believe her friend causes Alona to get very distressed and angry, yet gradually (and under a lot of pressure) she seems to be beginning to understand the errors of her ways. The story is a turning point, a time when a friendship is coming to an end.

The film gains significantly from the performances by the two leads, particularly Yaron, who is very dramatic and dynamic as a young woman whose tendency to be untruthful has caught up with her and she is forced to face the consequences.

The music by Guy Kaira includes some tense violin melodies that highlight the tension of the moment in the scenes and the enjoyable song Im Tirtzi by Hanan Ben Ari certainly is a plus.

From one perspective, this is a short film that explores the consequences of dishonesty, how it can ruin relationships and isolate people. From another point of view, it is a tense and dramatic story with great acting, a well-structured screenplay and a rather high-octane final act.