Israeli Film Arugam Bay Reflects on Healing and loss
Israeli Film "Arugam Bay"
The narrative is split into two distinct parts: before and after Yuval’s death. In the first segment, we see Yuval, a vibrant young man, spending time with his girlfriend, Kim, on a beach in Haifa. Their happiness is abruptly cut short when Yuval is killed during a military raid in Beirut. His best friend, Michael, witnesses the tragic event, a trauma that continues to haunt him.
Six months later, Michael and Gal invite Kim to join them on a surfing trip to Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka. The stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere of the surf town offer a sharp contrast to the emotional weight the characters carry. On the surface, it’s a getaway to heal, but each of them struggles with unresolved emotions.
Michael, in particular, is torn. He harbors feelings for Kim, but guilt over his friend’s death keeps him from acting on them. His internal conflict deepens when he befriends an Iranian army veteran, a man from Israel’s sworn enemy, yet they bond over their shared experiences, underscoring the universal trauma of war.
Tensions between Michael and Gal add another layer of complexity. Gal, who is considering joining the military officer course, faces disapproval from his father. Meanwhile, Michael, still shaken by his past military involvement, reacts impulsively in stressful situations. A scene where he mistakes fireworks for rockets from a battlefield highlights his lingering PTSD.
Throughout their journey, misunderstandings arise, particularly in their interactions with locals. A bus driver is wrongfully accused of stealing their luggage, an incident that reflects cultural differences and their own misplaced assumptions.
The lush Sri Lankan landscape plays a significant role in the film. Michael’s exploration of the countryside on a motor scooter becomes symbolic of his attempt to navigate through his personal turmoil. Yet the scars of war remain ever-present.
In one poignant moment, Michael’s grief and guilt culminate in an altercation with a fellow Israeli, leading to his arrest by the local authorities. This conflict underscores the idea that no matter how far you run, your past can catch up with you.
The pacing of “Arugam Bay” is slow and deliberate, mirroring the quiet, reflective nature of a day on the beach. Carmel masterfully directs the film, drawing strong performances from his Israeli and Sri Lankan cast. The movie captures not only the beauty of Sri Lanka but also the emotional depths of its characters, making it a bittersweet meditation on friendship, love, and the long shadows cast by the loss of true friends.
The film “Arugam Bay," shot in the picturesque coastal town of Arugam Bay of Sri Lanka in 2022, premiered in Israel on September 13, 2023. Directed by Marco Carmel, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mor Polanuer, the movie captures the beauty of Sri Lanka while telling a heartfelt story of friendship, loss, and healing.
Cinematographer Saar Mizrahi and editor Shira Arad helped bring this 97-minute film to life, featuring performances by Yadin Gellman, Buddhika Jayarathne, and Eli Perry. “Arugam Bay” was produced as a collaboration between Israel and Sri Lanka.
