Filling a Void

The remarkable new film FILL THE VOID is richly romantic, overwhelmingly emotional, and full of inspiring religious overtones. Set among Israel’s devout Hassidic community, this film festival favorite tells the story of an 18-year-old girl, forced into new responsibilities—and opportunities—when her adored older sister dies in childbirth.

With English subtitles translating the Hebrew dialogue, the movie should win an enthusiastic American audience. Romantic scenes carry visceral impact—showing decisions about family as fatefully, divinely important. The recent popularity of Amish romance novels—with more than 25 million sold in just ten years—shows the public appetite for love stories honoring rules of chastity and modesty. The same appeal even contributed to the huge success of the TWILIGHT series. Now FILL THE VOID fills the void for movies taking faith—and marriage—with the utmost seriousness.