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CHECKOUT

Checkout by Jonathan Dekel

 

CHECKOUT, a must-watch at the Dia(s)porama Festival

 

Synopsis Checkout

Inspired by little-known stories from the Mossad, Checkout is a captivating and eccentric spy comedy.

Dov (Josh Pais), a Mossad agent on the brink of retirement, has always been seen as “too soft” by his colleagues. Determined to change his image, he gives up a peaceful retirement and settles in a Turkish hotel, where he crosses paths with the Mossad’s main target, the legendary terrorist “Gilgamesh” (Norman Issa).

With the help of Eden (Dar Zuzovsky), a resourceful young bartender, and alongside colorful characters like Avner (Oz Zahavi), his skeptical superior, and Rachel (Yael Sharoni), a sharp analyst, Dov embarks on a perilous mission. This final challenge pushes him to question his values, his choices, and the cost of recognition.

Blending humor and suspense, Checkout is a love letter to classic spy stories while bringing them a breath of fresh, modern air.

 

 

A bold visual style, introspective storytelling

Director Jonathan Dekel cleverly plays with genre conventions.

Some  scenes are edited as whimsical reenactments, where characters like Avner and Rachel even comment on the action, questioning the credibility of the events. This narrative device prompts reflection: “Is Gilgamesh really a terrorist?” and “How far are we willing to go to gain the esteem of our peers?”

Dov, portrayed masterfully by Josh Pais, embodies these existential questions. An American working within an Israeli institution, he faces both cultural and personal dissonance. His character, trapped in his own exaggerations and lies, reflects universal themes of self-worth, identity compromises, and moral dilemmas.

 

Memorable supporting characters

Eden (Dar Zuzovsky), the spirited bartender, plays a pivotal role in helping Dov navigate truth and deception while bringing refreshing levity to the story.
Gilgamesh (Norman Issa), charismatic and enigmatic, represents an ambivalent threat that keeps the audience questioning.
Avner (Oz Zahavi) and Rachel (Yael Sharoni) enrich the plot dynamics as embodiments of bureaucratic skepticism and analytical intelligence.

 

Lies and identity

Checkout delves into the concept of lies, not only in the realm of espionage but also in everyday life. Dov manipulates others to compensate for his insecurities, but these lies, like boomerangs, inevitably come back to haunt him.

Jonathan Dekel, a former member of the Israeli Special Forces himself, draws from his personal experience to explore this theme, blending humor with introspection.

 

An Israeli-Ukrainian co-production

The collaboration between Israeli and Ukrainian producers (Chilik Michaeli, Avraham Pirchi, and Shalom Eizenbach) brings visual and cultural richness to the film.

The recreated Istanbul settings (partially filmed in Ukraine) evoke both mystery and opulence, immersing the viewer in the intrigue. One of Checkout’s standout elements is its cinematography, crafted by Saar Mizrahi, whose work enhances the film’s unique espionage atmosphere.

 

Why watch Checkout?

This film goes beyond the clichés of classic spy stories to deliver a psychedelic, intelligent comedy filled with heart and surprises. Jonathan Dekel establishes himself as a filmmaker to watch from his very first feature film.

Checkout is a hilarious yet touching tribute to the genre, a must-see.

Accolades and critical reception

  • Premiered at the Miami Jewish Film Festival.
  • Winner of the Best New Director award at the Jerusalem International Lab.
  • Official selection at the Austin Film Festival in the Comedy Vanguard category.

Praised for its inventive script and daring narrative, the film has been celebrated as one of the most refreshing spy comedies in recent years.

Screening in Paris: Don’t miss it!

Catch Checkout on January 30th at 8 PM at the Élysée Lincoln, as part of the Dia(s)porama Festival.

 

 

CHECKOUT

 

 

SÉLECTION FESTIVAL DIA(S)PORAMA

 

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PODCAST FALAFEL CINÉMA ON THE FESTIVAL

 

 

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