Unorthodox: This series needs to reach the audience that can’t access it.
Analyzing the German-American Netflix miniseries “Unorthodox” here. No spoilers. You’re welcome. :)
Script:
Unorthodox is the story of an ultra-orthodox Satmar Jewish woman fleeing her community in order to live a free life. The story is loosely based on Deborah Feldman’s memoir “Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots”. The traditions, the orthodox setting are the same. However, the miniseries has a separate and more dramatic storyline than the book. Esther Shapiro or “Esty” a 19-year-old married girl, runs away to Berlin in order to flee from her community. While she is trying to establish a new life with no education, no skills, and most importantly, no support, the shadows of her past still lurk in her present and endanger her future. There are only 4 episodes and the pace is steady. The script is not linear. We see Esty’s present merged with flashbacks of her past (so pay attention). Since the script revolves around Satmar Jews, an understanding of their culture would help you to follow the story easily. However, even if you have no knowledge of Jewish culture, you will still be able to understand everything properly. (I had no clue either).
Acting:
All actors have done a convincing job, but the lead actors will win your heart. Shira Haas as Esty, a 19-year-old scared but courageous girl in an unknown country moves you with her acting. Amit Rahav as Yankov Shapiro or “Yanky”, Esty’s husband plays a mama’s boy and an unfit husband. Rahav’s acting makes you annoyed at him, but you will also pity him at times.
The characters of Bubby, Moishe and Yael left an impact on my mind. I especially liked Jeff Wilbusch as Moishe, Yanky’s cousin, who is trying hard to fit in the Satmar world but is also attracted to the modern, liberal world. Thus, he ends up fitting nowhere actually.
Camera:
I felt that the camera came very close to beautiful shots, but stepped away immediately. Some shots could have been beautiful had there been symmetry. The camera tried to go slow to portray details, but it was rushing at the same time, which made the experience uneasy. However, a few scenes are pleasant to look at.
Sound:
Right from the first scene, the sound makes you aware that we are in the middle of chaos. The sound added to the drama and the impact it carries.
Dialogues:
This is the first series to be primarily in Yiddish. However, there is enough English in the series and subtitles are apt. Most dialogues are to-the-point. Some dialogues stand out.
My favourites:
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Social commentary:
I don’t understand Jewish culture fully yet and therefore, I am not qualified to comment on it. The oppression? That’s relatable. I belong from Rajasthan, so I have seen ample of orthodox customs. I have seen first hand how women are treated in orthodox settings and how difficult it is to run away. Orthodox people attach their egos and values with their standing in the community. They won’t let you escape easily. However, I will still say that I haven’t witnessed the extreme form of oppression portrayed in Unorthodox. I guess it’s a privilege. However, I can say that the portrayal of issues in the series seems sensitive and responsible.
This series might look like dystopian to you, because if you are watching a show on Netflix, then chances are that you’re either elite or urban middle class. The makers knew that the target audience of this series is relatively much more modern. This is one of the reasons why this show is successful and impactful. For us, this orthodox way of life might be shocking, but for those living in religious settings (in rural India), orthodox behaviour is pretty common. It is the way they live, it is the norm. I believe that while this series “entertains” us or sensitizes us, this series is actually for those who are caged and cannot escape. It should be viewed by women stuck in orthodox settings who need hope. But if they are caged, they can’t access it, right? I sincerely hope it reaches them. I hope that as viewers, you and I will make this ray of hope reach them.
