DOUBTFUL: A Heartfelt & Earnest Debut

The concept of a teacher guiding delinquent teenagers isn’t a premise unknown to film, and yet Doubtful, the feature debut by Eliran Elya, makes it feel as if it is.

In a small Israeli town, writer Assi, played by Ran Danker, and inspired by true events from writer/director Elya’s past, isn’t without his own demons. After a drunk driving arrest leaves him with a community service requirement, he’s brought in to teach filmmaking to a group of juveniles, each with their own troubled history. Doubtful resonates, effectually creating a story worth knowing, and one that will be hard to forget.

Struggles Don’t Just Go Away With Age

One of the ways that Doubtful stands out is in the decision to use a group of teenagers that aren’t actors. This is just one of many choices that provides an honesty often left out of films. Like Clint Eastwood’s recent decision to use the real-life heroes in 15:17 to Paris, it is a risk, but it pays off. This is a memorable ensemble.

As Assi steps up to the position, things don’t go easily for him. It’s a rowdy group, and these kids aren’t easily persuaded, but eventually he manages to make an impression. One particular pupil is Eden (Adar Hazazi Gersch), one of the most problematic of the youth, raised by a single mother, and struggling to stay out of trouble. Assi and Eden initially clash, but as the story unfurls, he begins to see more in the boy.

Eden’s portrayal is one of the most unforgettable elements. Adar portrays him as a live wire, and throughout the film Eden fights against his own desire to change, and at times he is quite explosive. He finds a friend in Assi, albeit reluctantly at first, and the two share a bond that fuels the impassioned marrow of the story. Their relationship, as Assi mentors Eden, deepens into a journey that they each learn from.

As the thirty-something year old Assi, Ran Danker is also efficient in his physicality, as he attempts to stifle his mental anguish. In ways he’s just as afflicted as those he is helping, and his maturity develops on screen, as he fully accepts the truth that he has the capability to change someone’s life. It’s obvious that this position is just as crucial to his survival as it is for the delinquent youth.

An Interesting And Authentic Approach

Throughout Doubtful we’re given clips of personal videos that the kids recorded, detailing elements of their lives. It is Assi’s assignment, but it also provides the audience with an intimate invitation into their lives.

When we’re thrust into the middle of this group of teenagers, there’s an energy that grabs you, making it difficult to question the film’s integrity. The script is sharp; it provides a consistent push and pull of fraught emotional dissonance and the delicacy of youth. There are genuine laughs, and even more sincere – the veiled aggression. Doubtful paints a story that is undoubtedly real, happening in varying parts of the world, at any time. There are moments where it is distressing to watch, primarily its finale, but it is also essential.

While not perfect, any storytelling elements that seem predictable are overshadowed by the penetrable performances. It could have even used more screen-time between our two leads, especially young Eden, who at times blew me away.

The opening scene is filmed in one long tracking shot, immediately pairing us with Assi, as he maneuvers through unknown territory. It gives the movie a strong first impression, and in its final, heart-wrenching moments, we’re hit again with its power. Doubtful is very stripped down and minimalist, capturing the mundane of our daily rituals, while also reminding us of the distinct challenges some face. For Assi, that means the tedious public transportation, the lonely corners of his near-bare apartment, or reciting his poetry to the check out girl he likes. For Eden, that’s scrambling to collect bottles for money, or verbally sparring with his mother.

It’s an impressive feature debut by Eliran Elya, who seems to effortlessly make me feel as if I’m glimpsing someone’s else’s life; he’s a director worth seeking out.

There’s a concept, that’s broached a few times, about reality, and how it is all about perception; the only thing that’s certain is our own existence. Is it possible we’re dreaming? Assi has some existential woes, but the notion burrows, extending further than his own ideas, and it’s a testament to the quality of writing exhibited that when the credits roll, the thought remains.

Conclusion: Doubtful

Doubtful proves to be an intelligent, intimate, and potent first feature. We’ve all got scars, and we try to move past them, and connect with others, but no one gets out fully unscathed.

What did you think? Did you find it as powerful as I did? Please, let us know in the comments below!

Doubtful premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival on June 3rd. It currently has no US or UK theatrical release date. For more information on international release dates click here.