Synonyms

Yoav, a young Israeli man, arrives in Paris determined to escape his past and identity by immersing himself in the French language. He dedicates himself to mastering synonyms, believing that a new vocabulary will forge a new self. However, his efforts to reinvent himself are constantly challenged by his past and the complexities of forming new connections in a foreign city.

Synonyms received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its bold and uncompromising portrayal of identity, alienation, and the struggle for self-definition. Critics praised its raw energy, visceral performances, and its unflinching exploration of the immigrant experience. The film was lauded for its unique cinematic language and its intellectual rigor, though some found its intensity to be overwhelming.

• A fiercely original and audacious film about finding oneself by shedding one's past.

• Tom Mercier delivers a captivating performance as a man consumed by his quest for a new identity.

• Nadav Lapid's directorial style is bold and often confrontational, creating a uniquely visceral viewing experience.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's artistic ambition and the powerful lead performance, finding it thought-provoking and intense. Some viewers noted that the film's demanding nature and challenging themes could be divisive.

Golden Bear at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival

The film's director, Nadav Lapid, based the character of Yoav on his own experiences and feelings of displacement during his time living in Paris.