Imagine a film so bold, it dares to challenge the very essence of a nation’s identity through art, satire, and unapologetic provocation. That’s exactly what Nadav Lapid’s Yes does—and it’s finally making its way to U.S. audiences after a buzzworthy debut at Cannes in May 2025. But here’s where it gets controversial: the film doesn’t just critique modern Israel; it plunges headfirst into its complexities, leaving viewers both captivated and unsettled. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just a movie—it’s a visceral, blistering indictment wrapped in the guise of a maximalist, disorienting journey.
Set in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, Yes follows Y., a jazz musician, and his wife Yasmin, a dancer, who embark on a radical experiment: saying yes to everything. This isn’t your typical feel-good story, though. As they sell their bodies, souls, and art to Israel’s social, political, and military elite, Y. is tasked with composing a new national anthem—one that’s as ruthless as it is rousing. The result? A film that whirls feverishly between satire, sincerity, and complete submission, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about power, identity, and art’s role in society.
The official synopsis puts it bluntly: Yes is an essential addition to post-October 7 cinema. But let’s pause for a moment—isn’t it bold to call a film ‘essential’ in an era where opinions are as divided as ever? Here’s the kicker: Lapid doesn’t shy away from controversy. From licking boots in the trailer (yes, you read that right) to questioning the very essence of patriotism, Yes is a film that demands discussion. Is it a masterpiece of provocation, or does it go too far? You decide.
After its world premiere at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight on May 22 and a September release in France, Yes is set to open in New York and Los Angeles on March 27, expanding nationwide soon after. This isn’t just a film—it’s a cultural moment. And as you watch Y. and Yasmin navigate their surreal, often unsettling world, you’ll find yourself asking: What does it mean to say ‘yes’ in a society riddled with contradictions? Controversial take: Maybe the real anthem here isn’t the one Y. composes, but the questions Yes forces us to ask. What do you think? Let’s hear it in the comments.
