He Made 2026's "Most Controversial Film"

Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid examines the societal psyche of post-October 7th Israel through his latest film, *Yes!*. The movie functions as a critique of a nation he describes as "drunk on its own power" and detached from the reality of the war in Gaza. Lapid argues that Israeli society maintains a facade of normalcy—characterized by hedonistic parties and a refusal to acknowledge the violence occurring nearby—which he views as a form of collective blindness. By incorporating real footage of Gaza and a scene featuring children singing an anthem about the annihilation of the territory, the film highlights how trauma is weaponized to justify extreme nationalism. Lapid positions the film as an internal dialogue for Israelis, challenging them to confront their complicity and the moral erosion that occurs when a society prioritizes revenge over humanity.