Veronica Kedar has something to be proud of. Not only is she the star of Joe + Belle - a pleasantly quirky little indie from Israel - she’s also the writer, director and producer. There’s something very charming about Joe + Belle. The characters are unusual but sympathetic, the plot is simple but entertaining and there’s some lovely comedic undertones that keep it from getting too dramatic.
Here’s the gist of it: basically, Joe is a young drug dealer who comes home to find Belle, a suicidal mental patient, in her bathtub. Belle, who’s more than a little loopy, follows Joe around and the two form an unlikely relationship which is made quite complicated after Belle somewhat accidentally murders Joe’s ex-boyfriend.
Sivan Levy is adorably kooky as Belle and her chemistry with Kedan’s cold but ultimately caring Joe is the film’s highest point, even though the circumstances around it seem a bit rushed. A subplot about Joe’s frenemy Abigail (Romi Aboulafia), who happens to have been sleeping with Joe’s now dead ex, works its way nicely into the plot in a without distracting from the two leads.
Joe + Belle isn’t exactly realistic, but it does make one fun little love story, not to mention it has one rather catchy soundtrack. The Israeli setting adds a whole other level of intrigue - especially if you, like me, enjoy getting a taste of other cultures. Joe + Belle is definitely worth checking out, and I now look forward to what Kedar has in store for us next.
Joe + Belle will premiere in the US during Outfest at the Lammle Sunset 5 on Sunday July 10th at 7:15 pm. Get more information on the July 10th screening here, and visit the Joe + Belle website.
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