Zero Motivation

Director Talia Lavie’s Zero Motivation is a film as advertised, a perfect cross between M*A*S*H and Orange Is The New Black. It’s also one of the best first films I’ve seen in a long while.

The film plays out in three parts at a remote Israeli desert outpost where the characters of three women are explored. 

One is Daffi (Nelly Tagar), a pampered type from Haifa, who longs to be transferred to Tel Aviv and is constantly writing letters to plead her case.

Her supposed best friend Zohar (Dana Ivgy) is a tough computer-gamer from a kibbutz, who never mails Daffi’s letters because she doesn’t want to lose her only friend.

The two work in the chaotic Human Resources Office under the direction of Rama (Shani Klein), who is trying to excel in a male-dominated environment.  Unfortunately for her, Daffi and Zohar are not the only misfits in her department. The entire team belies the concept of organization.

The humor is both dark and light with moments of sheer hilarity.

The only thing odd about this excellent work is why it’s only being shown in more than one venue.  It deserves a much wider release.  And, you don’t have to be Israeli to appreciate it.  In fact, I’d pay to observe a Palestinian audience watch it.  Perhaps it would ease tensions in that part of the world.

I give Zero Motivation a 4 out of 5.  See it!