Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Snails in the Rain is a drama about Boaz (Yoav Reuveni), a college student living with his girlfriend, Noa (Moran Rosenblatt), in Tel Aviv. His life is going well until he receives love letters in the mail from another man. Letters that remind him of the same sex desires he’d once had, causing those yearnings to resurface and threaten to ruin his relationship with Noa.
Some Thoughts:
Snails in the Rain is plausible because it takes place in 1989. There was no email, so people often communicated through letters sent in the mail. On top of that, it wasn’t acceptable to be gay. It all comes together for a mysterious and sensual story. Reuveni does a great job with the role of Boaz. His sexual confusion and paranoia every time he sees another man glance at him rings true. As Noa, Rosenblat’s depiction of a woman gradually realizing that her relationship is falling apart is full of nuance. Their performances carry the film, the rest is just icing on the cake. I have to add that the acting throughout is excellent.
Reuveni is classically handsome, and his beauty stands out, giving the admiring glances he often receives credibility. While he’s able to ignore the attention of passersby, the letters he receives and hides from Noa stay with him. This gives the movie a haunting sensuality as he recalls his past attractions to other men and struggles with its resurgence. Director Yariv Mozer handles this with such simplicity that it feels natural.
The film is beautifully shot, with street scenes giving a true sense of life in Tel Aviv. In an age where movies are over produced and full of CGI, this is a breath of fresh air. Aside from the visuals, the story, pacing, and acting are all on point.
The Final Verdict:
Snails in the Rain is a simple story that is well told and visually appealing. If you enjoy a subtle drama that feels like it was made before the onslaught of over stylized visuals, this is for you.