The feature narrative film, SODA, is a Hebrew word meaning, my secret, but there is also an intentional choice of the intriguing title to include the SODA factory prominently used as a key location spot. The movie wrestles with the heavy topic of how to react when meeting a suspected Capo? (A Jew who worked with the Nazis in concentration camps.) What should be their punishment? Is it possible to forgive their actions since survival was of the essence during horrific, unimaginable times. SODA did not hold back.
SODA was an extremely dark movie to watch. I mean this literally, and it was spoken entirely in Hebrew with sub-titles. The acting was believable and gave viewers chills as this story unfolded. Was Eva a Capo? Was her past identity truly uncovered? Were the actions of this small Israeli community justified in the end? I found the final frames confusing. It took away from the straightforwardness and focus of the film. The entire experience was harsh and sad, even though finding love was also another component of the plot.
SODA was not a feel good movie. It sparked a discussion on a group of people who are hard to locate and confront. War and all of its many victims leave our society with more questions than answers.
Following SODA was a short pre-recorded lecture from a local university professor. It added historical elements to this confusing and moral conflict.
