The tension between recognition and painful acceptance is central to Brandon Kramer’s documentary, which follows his elderly relative Yehuda Beinin as he grapples with the abduction of his daughter Liat on October 7. Through careful observation, the film tries to evoke emotion while navigating a complex political landscape, often succeeding, though reactions may vary due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
“Holding Liat,” the recipient of the Berlin Film Festival’s Documentary Award, may not deliver the same powerful revelations as last year’s winner, the West Bank land expropriation documentary “No Other Land,” which is currently an Academy Award contender. Yet, it explores the perspectives of the Israeli hostage families, distinguishing itself from the more narrow viewpoint presented in “A Letter to David.” Kramer demonstrates a deeper awareness of the political implications and how the plight of hostage families is often manipulated.
As Yehuda confronts the harsh realities of his situation, he speaks out against the political constraints imposed upon him during his visit to the U.S., where he meets senators while trying to express his dissent towards Netanyahu’s military actions and the treatment of Palestinians by the IDF. Yehuda navigates a difficult path, as he and his family members highlight the conflict between his experiences and the political context they inhabit. The film captures this cognitive dissonance, although how much ethical value it bears for viewers may depend on their individual political beliefs. Kramer’s approach is subtle, prioritizing the rawness of the unfolding situation through an unobtrusive handheld cinematography, which ultimately leaves the film without a definitive stance, focusing instead on the search for solutions amidst chaos.
On one side, Liat’s teenage son, traumatized by the events, seeks retribution. Meanwhile, Yehuda attempts to maintain his pacifist principles as a conscious political player in an escalating conflict, yet finds himself at a loss for definitive actions beyond vague calls for peace. His internal struggle becomes emblematic of the broader conflict, as Yehuda is immobilized by grief, searching for answers that continue to elude him.
The film takes a powerful turn when Yehuda, while meeting with a Palestinian spokesperson in Washington, experiences a profound moment of shared grief despite the political tensions surrounding them. Their hushed conversation provides a glimpse into a complex recognition of loss from both sides, highlighting the shared pain in their narratives stemming from the same tragic event.
As the story unfolds, Kramer broadens the lens to include a wider array of protests and viewpoints, showcasing diverse opinions within Yehuda’s family. One notable figure is his brother Joel, an academic who left Israel long ago and advocates for Gaza at a conference. Joel’s acknowledgment of the historical injustices tied to the land where they once lived adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the family’s emotional turmoil and internal conflicts regarding culpability and the search for a resolution.
This emotional impasse defines the film’s structure, limiting Kramer’s ability to delve into the stalemate without disrupting the ongoing narrative. The camera’s observational style illustrates the Beinin family’s struggle to maintain control amid uncertainty, emphasizing how their understanding of Liat’s abduction contrasts sharply with the narratives of violence they have been exposed to. At one point, Liat’s academic background as a historian provides insight into the troubling connections between historical suffering and modern-day atrocities.
The film acknowledges the broader historical context of Palestinian oppression that extends beyond the events of October 7, confronting a major sociological obstacle, even if it doesn’t fully explore it. By the end, the film’s emotional resonance hinges on this recognition of personal and political complexities, despite its limitations in presenting a more holistic view of the characters and their circumstances. Ultimately, “Holding Liat” effectively captures a multifaceted and challenging perspective on this nail-biting reality.
