Film Review: ASIA (2020): Shira Haas & Alena Yiv Excel in Ruthy Pribar’s Israeli Drama

Asia Review

Asia (2020) Film Review, a movie directed by Ruthy Pribar, and starring Shira Haas, Alena Yiv, Tamir Mula, Ruth Farhi, Gera Sandler, Eden Halili, Liran David, Or Barak, Nadia Tichonova, Mirna Fridman, Tatiana Machlinovski, Evgeny Tarlatzky, Eran Ivanir, Matanya Bar-Shalom, and Andrey Bar. 

Asia, directed by Ruthy Pribar, showcases two fine talents in the film’s leading roles. Playing a mother/daughter who come together during tragic circumstances, Alena Yiv and Shira Haas are absolutely mesmerizing here. Though the film can, at times, feel uncomfortable to watch, it’s worth the investment to see the work of these extraordinary actresses.

This new Israeli picture makes an overwhelming impact on the viewer and won’t be soon forgotten by viewers.  Set in Jerusalem, Alena Yiv portrays the title character, Asia, a 35-year old nurse who is having an affair with a married doctor (Gera Sandler) when she’s not looking for a new man in her life. Asia’s teenage daughter, Vika (Haas), often hangs out at the local skate park with her friend (Eden Halili). Vika drinks and smokes and is on the verge of losing her virginity although when she comes close to doing so, she ultimately decides not to have sex with the guy she hooks up with. These opening scenes establish that Asia is a struggling mother who works hard but has difficulty finding suitable companionship for herself. She is somewhat neglectful of her daughter Vika’s emotional needs as she focuses on paying the bills to keep the apartment in which they live.

Vika discovers she has a degenerative disease that greatly affects her ability to breathe properly. She becomes confined to a wheelchair and, as a result, Asia must come to terms with her own inner demons and become the type of mother who can provide her daughter with the quality of life she needs to live a happy existence, however long it may be.

Yiv has the more difficult role of Asia because we don’t really sympathize with the character at first. This woman is floating through life without being truly happy and, now, Asia’s daughter, Vika, becomes dependent on her for companionship and help with her deteriorating condition. Asia doesn’t know what to do to make Vika happy. She hires a male nurse named Gabi (Tamir Mula) to help her with Vika because Asia also knows Vika has a desire to experience sex for the first time. This handsome nurse may be able to help Vika experience sexuality in Asia’s eyes but the film is too complex to make Gabi’s presence in Vika’s life that simple. Instead, Gabi and Vika form a touching friendship together that may not last as long as it should.

Haas’s role is as equally demanding as Yiv’s but we sympathize a little more for the flawed character of Vika who is losing her ability to function. Haas is believable and we feel for the character’s predicament. Haas and Yiv share some great scenes together as Asia relates stories about Vika when she was a baby. Asia talks about Vika’s dad. Asia discusses how sex was introduced to her for the first time and Vika listens attentively as the mother and daughter form a powerful bond that will truly move audiences.

Both Haas and Yiv have challenging roles. Yiv’s character transformation from lost soul to committed and loving mother is fascinating and brilliantly conveyed on screen. Haas, as the young girl who never had a chance to pursue her dreams, shines and plays off Yiv like a true pro. It’s not a surprise that Haas has found tremendous success on her Netflix show, “Unorthodox.”

Ultimately, Asia provides an ending that, while powerful, makes us very sad. However, everything that comes at the end is prepared for properly by the scenes that precede it. It’s the two central performances that make this film an unforgettable experience and this film is highly recommended.

Rating: 8/10

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