People have different expectations and needs when it comes to seeing documentaries, and it’s probably best to have no preconceived notions when going into a film since that inherently provides a biased experience. But that’s just not how life tends to work, as interest in a subject typically stems from some preexisting knowledge. The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue carries an added weight due to the circumstances surrounding its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has emotions high for all audiences.
This documentary begins on the morning of October 7th, 2023, when Noam Tibon, a retired Israeli general, receives a message from his son Amir that Kibbutz Nahal Oz is under attack. With limited information and sparse communication, Noam sets out immediately to go protect his son. As he drives south, Noam remains resolute as he tries repeatedly to reach his son and soon realizes that he and the willing allies he picks up along the way are the only ones coming to save them as an attack of an unprecedented scope and scale is still actively taking place.
Debuting nearly two years after that fateful and transformative day, this film remains very much in the conversation as its effects continue to be felt, particularly on the Palestinian population which has borne the brunt of Israel’s efforts to decimate Hamas, the perpetrator of the attacks. While some audiences may hope for detailed commentary on the ensuing war, this film remains solely focused on that one day. All Noam knows is that armed terrorists have taken over the kibbutz where his son lives and that he needs to do everything he can to get there before it’s too late to save him and his family.
This film was thrust into the spotlight when its premiere at TIFF was initially cancelled due to a concern over rights to the footage used, which in this case was recorded and publicly broadcast by Hamas during its assault. Its reinstatement after that was apparently resolved resulted in more attention being brought to it, including by protesters who sought to prevent it from being seen, claiming that Amir’s past service in the Israel Defense Forces automatically makes him a war criminal. This film, however, shows a man acting to protect those he loves when he knows they are under attack, and perceiving him and his family as human beings deserving of compassion is something critical that all audiences should strive to be able to do.
What stands out most in this documentary, which includes a combination of footage from that day, location-based reenactments by Noam, and reflective interviews with those closest to him, is the lack of information available at the time. Screenshots of unanswered messages with Amir begging his son to answer add an urgency and terrifying uncertainty to the situation, and the realization that locked doors on the kibbutz are a good sign since it means terrorists weren’t able to enter a house drives home the inescapability of what happened on that day. The absence of any organized response plan or presence of the army underscores the need for people like Noam to act when no one else was necessarily coming to offer protection.
Though it deals with a weighty and hot-button subject, this film is actually quite straightforward. Its title references its content precisely: a road separating a father and a son and his instinctual drive to instantly head out and be there for him. Those seeking further explanation for the events of that day won’t find them here since its story is confined to this family and their experiences and isn’t meant to touch on the implications beyond what happened then. Audiences will largely get out of it what they bring into it, with an open mind offering a poignant, eye-opening experience, a deep familiarity with this content an affirmation of existing beliefs, and an outright objection to the validity of this story a sentiment that there’s nothing heroic about what’s presented since its subjects don’t deserve compassion. This film’s simple presentation of humanity and resilience under pressure is affirming and will hopefully have the power to reach even those who think they don’t want to listen.
Movie Rating: 7/10
