What is so interesting about Blush (also known as Barash) is how familiar the story seems, but also how unfamiliar it appears as well.

Set in Israel, it is the story of Naama (Sivan Shimon), a typical teen who fights with her family and struggles with identity, (when the audience sees her father, the identification process becomes a little clearer, as he contains zero redeeming qualities). The central arc of the film sees Naama become close to Dana Hershko (sadly, this isn’t Dana’s story, as her character is underdeveloped slightly).

Michal Vinik’s movie is very much about lesbian understanding and exploration, Naama is a central metaphor for the uncertainty of the Barash family, and of army life in general. Her older sister Liora also undertakes a conflict of identity, and the idea of coming and going is present throughout.

A central sex scene is divisive, but the afterglow of the scene, featuring Naama alone and wobbling slightly, provides the Blush of the other title of the film. Indeed, the feeling grows upon an initial Blush.

[star v=35]