GOLD STAR | Omeleto

A Jewish girl gets pregnant after a one-night stand.
GOLD STAR is used with permission from Paul Frankl. Learn more at paulfrankl.com.
Eighteen-year-old Joanna attends her religious school by day; at night she's a lot like any other British teenager, hanging out with friends and going to parties.
But after a one-night stand, Joanna gets pregnant and is unsure of what to do. Feeling unable to turn to her mother, she secretly turns to the Orthodox Judaism of an earlier generation in her family, as she looks for a way to regain control over her life and help her decide what to do about her unborn child.
Written and directed by Paul Frankl, this restrained, elegant and absorbing short drama examines the relationship between faith, belonging and the longing for solidity and certainty, told with compassion and intelligence through the prism of a young woman's life-changing crisis.
In many ways, the storytelling is spare, focusing on images and moments that encapsulate Joanna's inner experience. The sound of music at a party, the knowing looks between two people attracted to each other, the first kiss: these build up to a small portrait of teenage rebellion and freedom, told with great economy, precision and beautifully moody naturalistic cinematography.
Much of Joanna's journey is internal, but the pared-down poeticism of the filmmaking captures the indelible emotions that Joanna feels. A quietly devastating scene with her mother reveals how Joanna's mom chose to eschew the Orthodox Judaism of her parents for a more modern life, but the price of freedom has left her young daughter unmoored when faced with a personal crisis.
Actor Rosanna Francona beautifully captures the overwhelming nature of the difficult decision Joanna must make, as well as the touching comfort she finds in Orthodox Judaism. In the midst of a personal maelstrom, faith gives her assurance, a non-judgmental ear and guidance. It also leads her to an unexpected choice that will change her life forever.
GOLD STAR succeeds on the level of storytelling and craft, but it is singular in how it patiently and compassionately portrays the appeal of religion and faith. For Joanna, it offers refuge from the uncertainties of the world and an ethos and morality that helps her grapple with some of the most momentous dilemmas that people face. The storytelling does not underestimate the allure of such emotional and spiritual solidity, especially in a world that is so uncertain.
In the morass of modern life, religion offers Joanna a thread to follow out of a winding, confusing maze. Where it will lead Joanna, we do not know -- but we understand her relief in finding it and her willingness to be guided by it when she needs support the most.

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

I thought that the teacher was taking her to see a doctor - didn't see that coming.

[@marylevin9262]

same here took me a few minutes

[@stellabellafontay9366]

Same here.

[@vintagevirgo]

@@marylevin9262 im still confused

[@rituparna6133]

Hey me too, I thought they're doctors until the teacher described that he's from a fine family!

[@ishrats]

Me neither. And that makes it open to so many interpretations.

[@mariatanjala3421]

Thank you all for watching and commenting. I’m the producer of Gold Star. It’s great to see that the ending has moved so many of you. We wanted to make no judgment on her decisions and Paul carefully crafted this character, who is, to an extent, inspired by a true story. We hope that the short also offers you insights into customs and traditions. Thank you for watching!

[@elmaquiavelico5709]

You all did one hell of a job.

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

Sucky ending though.

[@elsa_lost_1614]

Can you please explain the ending properly once , why had she resorted to it instead of seeing a doctor? For her religion ?

[@talwaar007]

Would a devout Jewish man marry her if she was pregnant with another man's child? Or is it implied that she's had (or will imminently have) an abortion?

[@andrewhwang7920]

Just over 2,000 years ago, a similar scene played out in Judea. Joseph (Yosef) was prepared to marry a pregnant Mary (Myriam) even though he was not the father of the unborn child.

[@Bigbaymonstermare]

We live in a society that in these days when we hear someone is pregnant in an untenable situation, like a teenage pregnancy, we automatically consider three options - abortion, adoption and keeping the baby. This movie reminds us that much more common than abortion, used to be the fourth option of marriage. Times have changed, and that is made crystal clear when we were all surprised by the ending, an ending that 50, 60 years ago and more, that THIS was the norm.

[@Bigbaymonstermare]

@@randigiacomo892 for some reason what you said reminds me of that scene in History of the World Part I with Mel Brooks - the song he sings “The Inquisition”...🎶🎵”Will you convert?” 🎶”No, no, no, noooo🎵 😂😂😂😆

[@amataratsu006]

Woman asked for it... liberation

[@Bigbaymonstermare]

@@amataratsu006 *very* good point! It’s like that old adage, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure”. Some might watch this and see her trapped into another prison or left with no options. But that isn’t necessarily the truth, nor should we assume it. We aren’t given any reasons or a narrative voice to tell us how she felt. I think we’re meant to interpret it in our own way, and our conclusions tell us something about ourselves and how we think! Who knows, I’m just guessing 😂😆

[@roseannafrascona3386]

@@Bigbaymonstermare I agree! I played Jo in this film and that's exactly what we were hoping for - the audience interacting with the narrative to draw their own conclusions @rosiefrascona :)

[@Bigbaymonstermare]

@@roseannafrascona3386 oh my gosh! You were brilliant. I minored in literature and a lot of our studies was how we interpreted what we read. I was left surprised after watching this, but intrigued. A lot of these videos leave me wanting more in a good way and I’ve been wanting to know for awhile about these short films and how they are written, selected and cast. You brought a fragility and vulnerability to your character and a quiet strength. I hope to see more of you and I’ll follow you on IG. Mine is @Michelle_y_ell_y and would love to chat more about this?

[@J33zeus]

The craziest thing about this is getting pregnancy results after 1 night

[@Happy-uy5wc]

Now days you can get instant results with a home pregnancy test. But even when I was young in the 1970s, when I went to a clinic to find out if I was pregnant, I got the results in just a few minutes.

[@MrsKastell]

They are young.

[@lucthomas7626]

If she could do a one night stand it only proves that she was not new to this.

[@sainiamarjeet]

yes the urealist part or they could have made it at least couple of months after disclaimer

[@KaceyGreen]

@@sainiamarjeet only need a week or two with modern tests but overnight seems to stretch it like @Grawrness pointed out

[@nancybeveridgetaylor3256]

As a Catholic girl, raised to be a nun. The 8th of 11 children. I get this.

[@dddila]

Are you a nun?

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

WHOA! Eleven?! What a HUUUUUGE family!

[@Skeezik1998]

@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833 I work with a guy who is the oldest of 20. The family is mostly mixed, but still, 20 kids is a lot.

[@Godisfirst21]

Are you a nun?

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

@@Skeezik1998 Yikes! LOL

[@ilavarasisakthivel5422]

But the real father of the child has right to know about his child. How can she hide that from him? And marry a stranger

[@KW-kr9gh]

I married into a Jewish family where every sibling for 2 generations married Catholics. The elders were not so happy about it, but it kinda just got to the point where it was funny because…what are the chances? 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@talwaar007]

Did the kids become Catholic or Jewish (by religion)?

[@KW-kr9gh]

@@talwaar007 It seems the women in the family mostly have the say, so all of the kids and grandkids have been/are raised mostly Catholic with a sprinkling of Jewish ceremony at Hanukkah.

[@juancarlosalonso5664]

Just a curiosity, where they raised as jewish/catholic or were they given the choice about what to believe? This need from many parents to pass their exact same beliefs on their children is why we still have these awful stories happening in the modern world. I was raised a catholic in a very conservative family btw, was never told about other religions or that it was possible not to believe in such things… hard to break free from what we’re taught as kids.

[@zyrosqrd2552]

My kids' mom worked in clinical genetics in NYC, and was not uncommon to find out that the husband was not the biological father of their wife's kid, including kids born into Orthodox Jewish families. They can't tell the dad directly, just the mom who gets to decide what to do with the "news". (Yes, I am confirmed to be the bio dad of my kids).

[@pratapsarkar6673]

It's wrong to keep such an important peice of news from the dad

[@kdphotos4691]

@@pratapsarkar6673 - that's why the mother is told.

[@miyagifatghost2684]

So a society that still protects the bad decisions of the female?? That guy loses out regardless she never wanted dude to begin with. That's more cold blooded than letting her deal with her choices

[@treacherousjslither6920]

What kind of evil pos claims to love a man, yet has him unknowingly raise children that aren't his?

[@dancingnature]

Maybe a women who doesn’t want to put up with family abuse for herself or kids. Not just husbands can be abusive.

[@vivcole3812]

It’s like in a Gentile world - a grandmother of the 50’s role is the family - it is her life. Then she raises a daughter who rebels and want freedom from that drudgery. She becomes an independent woman who makes her own choices. She has a daughter who she gives everything to and expects her to enjoy the freedom. But all that child, the grand daughter wants is to live the simple life of the grandmother (which she feels is the more fulfilling life). It’s the classic description of when the next generation rejects the women’s liberation movement and everything that it stood for. But the question that remains is - who had it right?

[@Skeezik1998]

Good question and an interesting perspective. Coming from growing up in a Christian background, I would say that I support the decision of the granddaughter. She makes a hard decision to marry someone she doesn't even know simply because she feels two things. 1, she (probably) feels that she couldn’t care for the child on her own at that time in her life so it makes sense to her to go somewhere and ask for help. So she talked to the teacher and he helped her by finding somebody he can trust to be a good husband for her. He repeatedly tells her that the man is a good man and will make a good husband and based on the groom-to-be's reaction when the meeting took place it would seem so. 2, she definitely feels that this would be the right way to do things before God. She is devoted to her faith and though she became pregnant out of wedlock she feels that this decision of having a Jewish husband would be wise for her and her child. This isn't a bad thing as it lets us know that she has morals and what those morals are. Those moral convictions prevented her from choosing to maintain a relationship with the boy whom she slept with, not because she didn't like him, but because she wanted to be right with God.

[@Skeezik1998]

@@randigiacomo892 Fair point and I agree. It would be hard for me to marry someone who is pregnant with a child that isn't mine. However, given the context of this film and inferring the reasons as to why she may be choosing this path, I think it was a good one. I mean, people marry into families all the time, right? What's to say this isn't the best step for her?

[@summersunday8965]

@@Skeezik1998 her groom to be maybe doesn't know she is pregnant. It will be her dirty secret for the rest of her life. Poison stronger with the years

[@rexrad9735]

Why does there have to be a right or a wrong choice? Each generation made the decision that they felt was right for them. Freedom of choice...that's the important part.

[@gloriaguerrero3675]

I felt the groom to be didn't know the truth. I saw kindness and eagerness on his face. Also, I do not think she is doing right by God, she lied or avoided talking to the father of the child. I feel she will live to regret that decision.

[@andacomfeeuvou]

My (Jewish) mother married my (Catholic) father many decades ago. My mother's family was against marriage. She had to break off relationships with her entire family. Time has proven my mother's decision to be right. My mother and father were very happy and so were their children. I was raised a Catholic. For me, being Jewish is a cultural issue, not a genetic one. This short film certainly achieves its goal, which would be to have many views and comments. The theme is controversial, the ending is unexpected.

[@archstanton8988]

YES, but unfortunately for the World, It is a Culture that worships it self Religiously!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dingdongchingchong8659]

My Somalian friend's cousin in Israel met his love of his life and they both fell in love and wanted to get married. But it was forbidden to marry a her since she was Jewish. I think they both ran away.

[@worldsims4335]

Man I just want to say- if your mom’s a jewish, so are you. No matter how you’ve been raising.

[@sashagamino2268]

@@archstanton8988 you're saying your religion worships the self or Catholics ..... rather than the One G-d of monotheism or Judaism! I don't understand your comment.

[@nyahhbinghi]

"My mother's family was against marriage" you surely mean "My mother's family was against *this* marriage"

[@cooperhilinsky6361]

I love how it’s called “Gold Star”. Not only is it the shape of the Star Of David, but it’s also what a teacher gives a student when s(he) does well in class. Perhaps in this film it’s meant to symbolize the student doing well (being “tested” in life) and making the decision she thinks is the correct one.

[@samuelforesta]

Yup, this is pretty accurate to some orthodox jewish communities.

[@zyrosqrd2552]

The mother does not live an Orthodox life; she is a cultural Jew who sends her kid to yeshiva rather than public school because they're rich and there's no riffraff. Mom is not religious at all, even rejects her own mother's strictly kosher ways. The girl chooses to run away to an extreme segregated Chasid life, the OPPOSITE of what you are saying. It's Not her parents, but her Rabbi/teacher leading her.

[@theeclectic2919]

@@zyrosqrd2552 Been there. Done that. Except here no one's run off to become a Chasid or made Aliyah.

[@talwaar007]

@@zyrosqrd2552 They don’t look rich.

[@zyrosqrd2552]

@@talwaar007 if they're sending her to private school, they ain't poor. Maybe "upper middle class" rather than rich, but the kid would be in public school if they didn't have some financial resources.

[@talwaar007]

@@zyrosqrd2552 From the quality of the house they lived in they didn’t look “upper middle class”. Also, I came from a “lower middle class” background and went to private school. I sat an exam and was awarded a bursary of 90% of my fees.

[@michaelharper7350]

This movie sparks a conversation from various angles. Thank you to the actors, the writer, and the film team. The themes, context, and intent can be viewed through the prism of the human strata. Religion, gender, cultural, generational all blend into a movie short film. The character's journey is relatable in all it's detail.

[@paf7992]

Thank you for watching!

[@KW-kr9gh]

Great comment. 😊

[@louisberndt7373]

The key word being...generational

[@dorilee8992]

effing nerd...you should move out of mommas basement SOON. gross

[@daimonmarioperez9501]

What about the real father of her child 🤔 What you do in the dark, will always come out in the light ....

[@insiya_taj]

Apart from the measurements of how correct or how wrong ..I loved the ending as a film tht gives u reflection of society , self doubts, choosing for urself , and trying the best to save oneself from drowning... the beauty is no1 is right nor are they wrong .

[@deebreed1570]

The beauty is a selfless act to save a human life without condition...Option #2 Go to the new and approved Auschwits of so called civil society where murder is conducted everyday in plain sight..Who is the hero's here?

[@m.mcmillion9764]

As a teacher and a mother, I could never imagine encouraging a high-school girl to make such a life changing decision without ANY discussion at all with her family, the people who have raised her, love her and know her best. There's no evidence in the film that her mother was anything other than loving, kind and open-minded. The male teacher should have encouraged Joanna to get a medical check up and then talk with her family. His aggressive interference in her life would get him rightfully fired in the real world.

[@treacherousjslither6920]

Aggressive interference? She came to him. He made a suggestion and she agreed to go through with it of her own volition. She's responsible for her decisions. He didn't make her do anything.

[@lakeishameriez2061]

@@treacherousjslither6920 plus according to the description, she's 18, so it really is 100% her choice

[@AB-gn8oh]

@@treacherousjslither6920, he’s an authority figure and had undue influence. He’d be fired in the real world.

[@cas4040]

The film made it seem as through the grandmother that passed away was more devout. The mom was not as devout. In fact seemed rebellious herself. It could have been easier, maybe to break the news, we never see her dad, but we see her struggle with her own beliefs for herself and maybe this is what SHE wants for her own faith. However she also said “my parents would never understand.” Maybe the dad? A great film, but perhaps too short to fully flesh things out. Left with a lot of questions.

[@freelife102]

right, where the hell is the family , so, the school is more powerful than the family ? crap

[@hank1519]

This was very well done but it seems highly unrealistic that the arrangement would have gone forward without her mother being involved

[@Cartier_specialist]

That's not what you expect at all. Not in a bad way just different than I expected.

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

I don't know. It's kinda bad. The good ending should be for her to end up with the guy she liked.

[@Cartier_specialist]

@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833 Well, it could've went another way completely.

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

@@Cartier_specialist You mean abortion and being disowned by her family? Yeah, that's even worse.

[@Skeezik1998]

@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833 That's not necessarily the better ending here. I mean, sure we all love a good romance. But in the faith, she might have just as well been disowned because she got pregnant from a man she wasn't married to, no matter what his religion might have been. I'm not an expert on the Jewish faith though so don't quote me on that.

[@zyrosqrd2552]

@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833 The glimpse we see of her mother suggests she would've supported her daughter getting a termination (or even acknowledge the Carholic kid as father). She is non-religious, and seems to only send her to a yeshiva school to avoid public schools, which is common in areligious Jewish (and Catholic) families. Her mom knows she's pregnant, and would much rather she has an abortion (or even have the baby at home) rather than marry a stranger and retreat to a segregated world that rejects non-religious Jews as apostates. There is no character development for the rationale to make the choice, and seems to suggest she will pass the baby off as that of the naïve yeshivabucha she aims to marry. Usually I like that these films are so short, but this shows nothing about her character or relationship with her mother as a basis for this. This could very easily become a story of a young woman escaping from the trapping of an Orthodox life where she is subjugated. Too many holes in this script.

[@redrose1806]

Honestly, why is everybody assuming that the groom to be didn't know? You think that only Jewish girls get "in trouble"? Didn't anyone see how the girl was b4 she went to the rabbi? What makes anybody think that maybe this guy has a past too that would make him a less desirable match? For all we know he has a few tats and old piercing. There are thousands of ultra religious Jews that once started out completely not religious or not even Jewish and chose to become more religious or convert like Nissim Black.

[@newuser285]

Yes, but men are unable to commit paternity fraud- there's no way he can convince her she gave birth to a secret kid he had with another woman.

[@mmthomas3729]

Yes. Perhaps he cannot father children and this is his opportunity to be a father. Many men on this comments section think it is idiotic for a man to raise another man's child. Why not? I would raise any child given to me whether I gave birth to that child or not. Many men are willing to marry single mothers.

[@newuser285]

@@mmthomas3729. If he was told of the pregnancy and wanted to marry anyway, then yes, I would agree with you. However, it seems to me that in the film, it would take an even greater leap to believe the man knew of the pregnancy versus he not knowing and she's trying to hide the paternity of the child.

[@treacherousjslither6920]

I doubt she told anyone. Paternity fraud is as old as humanity itself. Truly sad.

[@Bittzen]

He clearly knew because they won't be intimate til after marriage, and by then it'll be obvious she's pregnant. It'd also be easy grounds for a get, which is a Jewish divorce document. And the end scene where she looks down at her stomach, looks up at him, then he smiles, I believe, is meant to reveal he knows and is ok with it. Then she smiled back after. Btw, I'm an ex Christian and in the process of converting to Orthodox Judaism, too, like Nissim. He's a cool guy.

[@ijewemeodiawa3394]

How people are glossing over the fact that she is about to commit paternity fraud, is simply beyond me. 1 dollar says she would never tell this young Jewish man that he isn’t the father. That stinks.

[@Harleylovinchelley1]

So 15 years from now the kid sends dna into a couple sites to learn his or her ancestry and BOOM. Finds has family never heard of before. WAIT. WHAT?

[@KutWrite]

I disagree. The teacher is a devout, caring man. The girl is also devout, seeking God. I'm sure the teacher or the Rabbi told the young man the situation. They wouldn't be able to fool him long, and then... an automatic "get" (permission for divorce). That would solve nothing, just put off the pain. This assumes they hit it off. Their expressions at the end indicate they will try to.

[@jenniferh.7219]

Are you trolling? For some reason I understood that the other family knows. He knows she's pregnant - he is doing her a favor by marrying her which will of course save her from being an outcast in her community

[@myfairlahey5738]

He already knows

[@maryherl3573]

Of course he knows! It was all set up by her teacher. Why else would she seek out a devout Jewish man to marry at such a young age. Her teacher said “he is a good man” meaning he will take care of her and her child and never let ppl know it wasn’t his.

[@gapeachstj]

I’m confused... I totally expected this movie to end differently.

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

You're hoping to see her ending up with the guy she slept with, aren't you? I guess this is not a romance, more of a drama.

[@Skeezik1998]

@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833 Or she might have expected the girl to get an abortion, which is the much more common theme throughout today's cultures and societies.

[@zyrosqrd2552]

That's because the script is too weak to show the rationale for the choice she makes. People may call themselves "Orthodox" Jews, because of the temple, and may send kids to yeshiva rather than public schools for safety, BUT that is very different than ultra-religious Chasidic Judaism, which is segregated and views "Modern Orthodox" as apostates who reject the strict order. The film lumps all Jews into one monolithic pile.

[@zyrosqrd2552]

This is basically a girl who is pissed at and rebels against her mother, a non-religious Jew (does not keep kosher) by marrying into an UltraReligious Chasid cult to snub her nose at her mother, and misrepresent her unplanned pregnancy. If the mother doesn't even keep kosher, lives a modern life with yoga,, she would be fine with her daughter having an abortion, or even having a baby with the Catholic kid. Many non-religious parents send their kids to private parochial schools as safer than public schools in large cities. The script is very weak, and doesn't give the audience, mostly Gentiles, any glimpse of the distinction between cultural Jews and Chasidim / extreme ultra-religious segregated sects. Disappointed with the lack of character development or even exploration of relationship with mother. The ending is for shock value as a twist. In real life, she might be escaping this marriage in due time back to a rational, non-religious life, and the shmucky yeshiva boy who marries her cannot claim custody of the kid, but would still have to pay support.

[@holyjordan8269]

@@zyrosqrd2552 couldn't agree more

[@myfairlahey5738]

The young man knows she is pregnant. It's all been arranged by the teacher and the rabbi.

[@boink8653]

At first I thought she was pregnant, and that her teacher was taking her to get a secret abortion. Now I'm thinking that she wasn't pregnant. But that the whole experience made her think about her grandmother, her mother, her upbringing and her religion, and based on that she chose her religion and to live a Conservative life, as opposed to the secular one that her mother strived for.

[@KutWrite]

That's good, but her test showed she was pregnant. Also her mom said the girl's breasts had grown. She was also examining her belly and wearing baggier clothes. I think the "conservative life" part of your analysis is spot on. That's also why I believe no one deceived the young prospective husband. Cards on the table is the honest, devout, God-fearing way.

[@boink8653]

@@KutWrite ah! I don't know how I missed that part about the pregnancy test. In that case what you're saying is correct.

[@TallowQueen]

@@KutWrite it never showed the test. Women have body changes at that age. The mom was looking at her because she was acting off. We cant be sure.

[@TallowQueen]

@@boink8653 it never shows the test

[@myspace8090]

A unique conclusion that opens a room for fierce debates about communal sentiments, social taboo and the fate of unplanned pregnancy.

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

To me the problem is not with whom she gets married, but the pregnancy. She should've been more responsible to herself by taking prevention measures. Getting knocked up in young age can massively hinder you from a promising future.

[@rennnnn914]

Wow, the privilege

[@Skeezik1998]

That's true. A cousin has a friend who recently gave birth and she's only 18. That baby will change the rest of her life. But to be honest, having a baby drastically changes things no matter what age you are. My other cousin had a second daughter 8 years ago and she has changed so much from it.

[@GovnaBuckingham]

BEHOLD CAPTAIN OBVIOUS HAS SPOKEN

[@DeeDiamond2981]

My cousin had her son at 14... She is now graduating university at 21. She has supportive parents... she has it hard still... Children changes ur life..forever..

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

@@DeeDiamond2981 Ain't that the truth!

[@marih3286]

If he is kind, it's still better for the innocent baby. Young, unskilled women without a higher education or a vocation still struggle to provide for their children. A willing partner is a blessing.

[@rummsdala]

And what about what‘s best for the young woman? Being forced to marry a stranger due to shame fueled by an ultra conservative environment doesn‘t look like the perfect base for a happy adult life.

[@Annalyse74]

Bollox 😂

[@himlolo]

Better for the baby, what about the man. He is raising another man's kid for the rest of his life.

[@jdonger7517]

Very thought-provoking short film but, from my point of view seems to be one impulsive decision that just leads to another unthought-out possible bad decision.

[@allisonjames2923]

She obviously felt comfortable enough to go to her teacher for support which is a really good thing, but her family should have been included in the decision so she was sure to consider all aspects of her decision. Even though she was apparently 18, she was still at school, and although I was one of those who was adamant I knew my own mind when I was at school, and thought I knew enough about everything to make all decisions for myself, I have since learnt how much I didn’t know back then. When you’re young, there is a tendency to romanticise or catastrophise because everything seems so huge. And she did give the impression that she romanticised the idea of being an Orthodox Jew. 3 out of 4 of her options are to all intents & purposes, irrevocable. Her teacher should have ensured she had every bit of information & support available, to make an informed choice, not just the choice he would prefer as an Orthodox Jew himself. Interesting dilemma though. Especially given her age. And that her mother seemed lovely & caring, if a bit close-minded about how she’d been brought up.

[@echochamber4420]

She’s trapping an innocent man…I bet the common courtesy of even letting the dude know she was pregnant went right out the window too.

[@zyrosqrd2552]

@Echo Chamber- after the wedding, she slaps her head and tells him, "I'm so silly, there was something I forgot to mention. My bad, innit?"

[@jivvilgyasi3007]

Haha for real FACTS

[@mmthomas3729]

I think he knew and agreed to marry her. Her teacher and the rabbi searched for a man who would accept her as a wife. No one was forced and everyone knew what was going on. Honestly, I think her mother (who considered herself modern and liberated) would be more upset at her daughter marrying into Orthodoxy than she would be at her daughter being pregnant.

[@zyrosqrd2552]

@@mmthomas3729 I agree with you about her mother, But script is weak in showing basis to reject her mother, and choose religious grandmother's way of life. It was missing a scene for it to make sense: ? Bubbe coming to her in a dream, or show more of mother /daughter together, maybe father enter and be overly materialistic, to show the audience that the ending was for a real reason other than just a surprise twist. She randomly says to her rabbi, "my parents wouldn't understand". In terms of Yeshiva boy knowing about her pregnancy: This could be possible if he were not able to be matched with a girl from his own Chasidic community (for example, if he were infertile or some health or genetic secret his own family was keeping, agreeing to the marriage so he could pass the kid off as his own to preserve his parents' standing in the community; his parents would have to approve her, and she is an outsider. But it's also possible he was ignorant; they could have wedding in a few weeks and she could claim she got pregnant on her wedding night.

[@kdphotos4691]

You assumed that. The scene appears more that he knows and that the man driving her to meet him arranged it. Otherwise, what would be his motivation to meet her at all. Think.

[@roscluaran]

What a brilliant film and a great ending! Amazing that there was another alternative to the usual.

[@elmaquiavelico5709]

The ending destroyed me.

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

@@TheAstroflight But sad for her, right? Didn't she want to be with the boy she slept with?

[@mayankjain9821]

@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833 Nope, it was impulsive action. Think of the psychology of girl in this situation. Relate it to her mothers' conversation when she says she gives her freedom only when it falls in her mother's line. So she had to take a decision. Being religious jewish it may be hard for her to go abortion, thats why she chose to marry. I m hopeful that marriage will turn out better for her future.

[@Godisfirst21]

You are very easily destroyed.

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

@@mayankjain9821 Oh, I thought she liked the boy.

[@jiggzda1]

@@mayankjain9821 wtf is a religious Jewish ? Wtf is Jew-ish? Is being a Jew a religion?

[@em1osmurf]

and that couple might have a wonderful, and faithful happily-ever-after in spit of it all.

[@em1osmurf]

@@erdelegy well, yeh, realisticlly. but they're buried in their community, and believe it, hebrew life is a whole different world.

[@spacecowgurl57]

And the cycle continues even though her Mother attempted to change it.

[@svietka202]

No Jews commenting on how unrealistic and simplistic this is? Acting is great, the story….not so much

[@justagirl...]

I would just point out that a child with a Jewish mother is considered halachically Jewish, even if the father is not...

[@justagirl...]

@Napoleon Bonaparte oh definitely not.

[@juliaconnell]

Ok - that took a turn... interesting...

[@stellabellafontay9366]

Very interesting.

[@PyroFalcon]

This was really well made.

[@lindzexposure9347]

I don’t think she was pregnant, I think it was a pregnancy scare that reminded her of how much she valued her beliefs and wanted to be faithful to her conviction.

[@JeanMartin-zp3ji]

So interesting for the non-Jewish, and so well acted. Thanks for the post.

[@RicardoMontee]

Was not expecting that ending, nicely done.

[@markwolfe947]

So glad I am not religious and I will never understand this mindset of the people who abide by religion. Me being German, Jewish, and Irish all three being ethnicities that are steeped in religion and historical conflicts through the ages with Romans and so much more. The fact this practice is still in place as per the comments I read, perplexed me.

[@dogdriver70]

Religion is a human invention. A relationship with the Divine is, well, divine. Approach it from that angle. Seek and you will find.

[@markwolfe947]

@@dogdriver70 I am currently reading Albert Camus Myth Of Sisyphus and have read other philosophical works, some correlating with Christianity, my favorite is the Toa Te Ching as it stands. I have read about Roman history and even Mesopatamia history, you are right religion is a human invention, before we had modern day governments. Religion was the thing that kept the King in line with the interest of the people and other kingdoms and what kingdoms/people to stand against. Like the which craft trials I hypothesis it was people scared of herbology and the females and men involved in the practice were targeted and religion was used to persecute them. I people who claimed to be werewolves using a curse to write off their nature for being animalistic as in Norse mythology and small villages. I don't mean to sound hopeless but the stain of human greed is in religion deeply rooted, but yes I agree at this point of time in my life Alan Watts and Albert Camus are my guiding lights with the temperament of Marcus Aurelius. "You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life."

[@perfectplayingplaids]

This practice, like many other things, harkens back to a much simpler time in the story of humanity- back when people adhered to standards and did things like preserve the family unit. And when we see these things expressed in cultural intuitions or religion it's because life on Earth for many years has necessitated that a man provide for and protect the unit while the woman cares for their child. It's only now, in the age of total convenience and a total disconnect from our true nature that you're really even able to sit there and say that like these ancient things are somehow foreign or beneath you. These things are human- they are because many humans acknowledged them for much longer than you or I were even here- what are we? Are we human, even, or do you insist that we're something else entirely and that History and all of the morals of the past are of inherently different people?

[@perfectplayingplaids]

@@markwolfe947 I am, by the way, a young writer and student of Latin and Western History, formerly a KZbin atheist in all of the glory, since grown out 😅

[@theeclectic2919]

@@markwolfe947 *Sisyphus.

[@vm2113]

I don't understand...does her future husband already know she is pregnant? Or is that kept a secret from him?

[@mdtowhidurrahman9005]

Obviously, it's a secret. Why would any guy raise another man's child unless the mother was widowed or the child was orphaned? Single mothers are like walking time bombs, ready to take you to divorce court.

[@vm2113]

@@mdtowhidurrahman9005 I read a comment that said Jews hate it when one person in their community has a child with someone who is not Jewish. Hence the man will accept such a woman. Also her parents aren't involved in the last scene. Wouldn't that raise suspicion in the guy? The whole event was carried out in a secretive manner to save the woman's image. So the guy knows about it I guess.

[@joannahuskey6425]

He knows

[@archstanton8988]

It seem that "THEY" conspired to hide Her Past Deed from Him and then after the Arranged Marriage, BOOM, BABY! I'M PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@troemich]

Her teacher in the car said that her secret will be safe with him. Her future husband doesn't know that she's already pregnant. They will soon marry and her husband will think the kid's his own. There's no reason a devout jew like him would ever doubt that.

[@newuser285]

That's messed up, she's trying to rope in an innocent man into believing he's the father. That's paternity fraud, while seemingly acting more pious. All the more reason for men to immediately DNA test the child after birth. Having said that, this was an excellent short film.

[@mmthomas3729]

No, I think the young man knew she was pregnant.

[@kdphotos4691]

You don't know that.

[@myfairlahey5738]

No she's not. It was set up - that's the whole point

[@girijyanmurugathas3896]

@victoria Well if DNA tests needs to be paid then so should Abortions.

[@girijyanmurugathas3896]

@victoria but there are activists who want it for free.

[@patriciacvener1968]

Quite thought provoking as I see from the many comments before mine.

[@samantha6554]

Wow, goodness me ,that was good

[@neilnash5661]

It’s a truly beautiful film really.

[@Komi-Zyrian]

not the best decision, it means uneven relations from the very beginning

[@Mollikar]

The moral of the story is if you date outside of your race and you are not Jewish, its racist to be against it, if you are Jewish its a positive life lesson on Omeleto.

[@neoblackcyptron]

The ending was a relief of sorts.

[@matokaknox971]

Religion has the world confused. Nice movie.

[@archstanton8988]

NO, ONLY 1 DOES!!!!!!!!THE OTHER 2 DO NOT HIDE THEIR INTENTIONS. 1 teaches Love, the Other Hate! CHRISTIANITY IS VERY DIFFERENT Than JUDAISM. Please do some Research and see the UNSPEAKABLE THINGS WRITTEN in the Talmud. WHAT IT TEACHES THEM TO DO TO US AND THE WORLD AS A WHOLE IS QUITE EYE OPENING AND VERY REVEALING ABOUT THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@thevoid375]

Why is everyone calling the boy a Muslim? Or atleast acting like it? There's a lot of whites in Israel, and that doesn't mean they're all Muslims. Also please read the description, all of this happened in Britain, NOT Israel.

[@KaceyGreen]

I must have missed something but didn’t he say he was from the catholic school?

[@thevoid375]

@@KaceyGreen yeah! He did, but idk why people don't pay attention to very small details...

[@imagonnasah8319]

I don't quite understand when the boy said "they beat them with rulers & like to remind them that they are *f no matter what they do". Does that elude to his status as a non-catholic perhaps? I do know that some non-christians do go to catholic schools in other countries but I really can't grasp what they meant by that

[@KaceyGreen]

@@imagonnasah8319 I'd say it was a confirmation, I did a year at a catholic school and they hit us with rulers among other punishments, and the catholics belive in original sin so without them you're going to hell

[@imagonnasah8319]

@@KaceyGreen waaaittttt, so in ur opinion that line confirms that the boy is indeed Cathholic is that it?

[@Maazin5]

Very interesting and respectable perspective. I'm not Jewish or a woman, but I could really see the cultural dynamics. She wants to raise a Jewish child. The Catholic boy and her mother won't support her/them so she seeks people who will.

[@user-rk1xq5pi5z]

Would it be ok if he was Jewish?

[@svietka202]

Yes, because marriage to him would be an option

[@natalienicolaou1]

Ok let me know if I understood. She got pregnant by some catholic kid so teacher took her to be married? Does the Jewish guy know she's pregnant or is she going to tell him its his kid???

[@archstanton8988]

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marylevin9262]

duzn't seem he will find out

[@natalienicolaou1]

@@marylevin9262 that's insane. A guy tricking another guy like that, wow.

[@zyrosqrd2552]

@@natalienicolaou1 nothing insane, just business as usual for lots of religious leaders, hypocrisy being order of the day for plenty of Rabbis, Priests, Pastors, Imams, Gurus, Swamis, (pick your favorite cult leader) who make up their own rules for their sheeple to follow.

[@joannahuskey6425]

He knows

[@Phymaths]

Came here because of James Jani

[@allisonjames2923]

It’s heartbreaking that not so long ago, and still today for some women, a mistake or tragic horror led them to having to tie their life to a man they didn’t know. I wonder how many women, forced to marry due to pregnancy, actually found a happy life? But I also wonder how many women who were in a similar situation, who opted for an abortion, an adoption, or to raise the child themselves, were happier in the end with their decision? Something we will never know 🤷‍♀️

[@commonsense2680]

I don't understand this? Is the point allegedly that she is showing she wants a traditional Jewish family raising her child (although created with another man) with a "good" Jewish man (who knows she is pregnant but still willing to marry her), and thinks it is ethical to keep her pregnancy from the biological father, that it is ok for another non-biological father to raise the child because he is Jewish, that it is ok to not tell her own family she is pregnant or getting married, that the teacher is the "Best" person to tell about her situation, etc.? I am confused as to what point you are trying to make?

[@Prizzy999]

I guess hoping for an abortion was too much of me...this is so pathetic, really. Religion is only a cage that enslaves mankind to this day. Fortunately I never was and never will be forced into marriage with a total stranger, and that makes me appreciate being a non religious european even more.

[@talwaar007]

My comment got deleted?! No idea why. All I said was that surely an orthodox Jewish man wouldn’t marry a woman already pregnant with another man’s child. Or is she planning on having an abortion?

[@NightPain]

He likely doesn’t know she’s pregnant and is going to pass the baby off as his

[@yehoshuakahan9336]

Why wouldn't he? It's important to know who is the father, yes, but there is no prohibition against raising someone else's child. On the contrary, this is one of the greatest possible acts of mercy and love.

[@GODCHOSEISRAEL70]

He was probably British

[@redbrixanimations]

I don’t get the ending

[@AB-gn8oh]

So the teacher/rabbi thinks it’s a good idea to get the girl married off without informing her parents? Without thought to what might happen if, in due course, the husband finds out? Without thought about how she might regret marrying in haste, especially if she loses the baby? If he were an imam, would the responses in the comments be so open and sympathetic?

[@Maazin5]

To your last point, it's not the same in Islam. In practice, Judaism is inherited through the mother, Islam through the father. To the religious characters, the knowledge that her child will be Jewish gives them the strength to help her.

[@demetrius235]

Wow. Barbaric.

[@pedroavillarroelh]

This is a science fiction movie for me.

[@theeclectic2919]

Where's the science?

[@ezemdianosike5277]

Exactly!! It's almost like there are few people who understand men. They want us to believe that an Orthodox Jewish man in agreeing to marry a girl who is pregnant with another man's baby??? And a gentile man for that matter. The average IQ of the world is plummeting faster than I expected.

[@SuperCHERISHED]

Gold Star was a very good short film. The acting was believable. No one thought about contraceptives while in their lustful states of mind. I do not appreciate the adult character that attempts to help the girl. As a mother I would pray that we have a relationship of trust and she could tell me anything. So many young people are afraid to talk with their parents about unplanned pregnancies. Patriarchal society, no woman the girl feels she can go to for counsel.

[@aarons7975]

But you don't really know WHAT kind of mother hers was. The daughter may have been afraid of telling her for a very good reason. People can get so deep into their dogma and beliefs that they in reality, become, not very good people. Very self righteous, but not very good people. You can tell me anything, or you BETTER tell me everything? subtle but huge difference.

[@tiberiusgracchus4222]

People are uncomfortable and scared of the unknown. So we make up stories about why things are the way they are and write them down in books and insist that what we have made up and put in book is the one true truth. Then we tell our children that if you question what's in the book you will suffer for all eternity. Your only chance for salvation is to believe in the book, even though much of it seems outlandish and obviously disconnected from what we can see with our own two eyes. It's like this across many human cultures, only the book and the story in it is different. But it is an excellent control mechanism for keeping in people in line.

[@supremegaming2896]

Do you believe in a higher “being”

[@tiberiusgracchus4222]

@@supremegaming2896 I do not know if a higher being exists or not. I am okay with not knowing. Nobody as of yet can create a repeatable experiment that shows conclusively that a higher being exists. But, nobody can create an experiment that shows that a higher doesn't exist either. I'm not an atheist because to me being an atheist just means having faith that god does not exist even though you cannot prove god does not exist. If you cannot prove it you do not know it and then atheism is just another type of religion really. It's okay to not know things and accept that you do not know and probably will never know.

[@1SwiftAngela]

Dude....what book?????

[@neilsgirl]

So what's the big deal? A Jewish woman HAS to get pregnant by a Jewish man?

[@frankwyman9138]

Escaped from one unknown into another.

[@CharlottePrattWilson]

Beautiful way to handle an unexpected situation. A baby is a gift from God.

[@801oap]

Either the young man knows of the pregnancy and has agreed to the marriage OR she didn't even tell the rabbi that she was pregnant, only that she wanted to get married into that community. I don't think the rabbi would knowingly trick the boy.

[@shsb2355]

Dang, the dude at the end got played bad. If he doesn’t get a paternity test done he’s a noob.

[@kdphotos4691]

How do you know that? It looks more like they all agreed to the arrangement since he agreed to meet her. There'd be no reason to be talking about marriage at all upon first meeting if he didn't know she was already pregnant.

[@shsb2355]

@@kdphotos4691 agreed under false pretenses. No guy would agree to marry a girl he just met so she doesn’t have to be a single mother. Especially, a Amish dude. They have a bigger emphasis on purity and that stuff.

[@jaynecobb6711]

You people have got it all wrong . The REAL question is : Why would he give a plugged nickle if the baby is or isn't his biological son/daughter , if he has been there thru the whole pregnancy . Medical and prenatal care check ups , morning sickness , mood swings , birthing classes , finding Pickels and ice cream at 2 a.m and the stores are ALL closed , for her cravings . After ALL of that , and a whole lot more . The baby doesn't give a hoot who the sperm donor father is . He/She will be calling HIM daddy and loving HIM as his/her Father . For ALL intents and purposes he WILL BE his/her Father . Why dont any of you see this ?

[@shsb2355]

@@jaynecobb6711 there’s a difference between being a step dad vs being tricked into thinking a kids your.

[@jaynecobb6711]

@@shsb2355 So THAT is what is important to you. Nothing else matters . YOU have to be the sperm donor . You wouldn't be the REAL father to a baby conceived by sombody else . Whether it was conceived in deception or not , DOSEN'T MATTER TO THE BABY . And you would be incapable or unwilling to care for a baby , because YOU were NOT the REAL father . YOU would be only a "step father" . How limited and pathetic your love is .

[@hamedhussain7562]

WTF was the point of the ending ? The ending is heartbreaking.

[@brytoncaviness3612]

OH NO oh nooooo this would be bad

[@rohanbeck268]

bad bad bad. I hated it. Fullstop.

[@christopherroutsis3391]

Beautifully executed short. By the way, this shouldn't be an issue (I mean the abortion, freedom from religious ideologies etc). Such a sad sad backtrack.

[@Rebel8MAC]

Damn she just straight said screw that catholic guy he don't deserve to be a dad?

[@sainiamarjeet]

damn its gold star of suspense like a alfred hichcock stories

[@RodinThink28]

I refuse to continue watching this at 2:43 because of the smoking which I DETEST with every fiber of my body and mind

[@user-lu7hj1zn5v]

Incomplete

[@AnthonyTobyEllenor-pi4jq]

Husband will find out sooner or later !

[@yttube4319]

There's a lot of pickiness in sudduchim. That's how I met my spouse. We just worked out, became fast friends and then committed to making it work. It can be a great way. In this short it was a perfect ending.

[@alvinlin8140]

Can someone explain the ending?

[@SANA-br5gd]

Why these stories are so difficult to understand 🙄 although so exciting to watch!!!

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

She seems to view marriage as a way out of her situation, so the teacher has found a young Orthodox guy who's prepared to marry her - that way her baby won't be born out of wedlock - at least that's how I view it. Given what she sees as her choices - single Mother, marriage to a Gentile, abortion or this, it's not for us to decide what she should do - this may be seen as the most painless...for her. I don't know if I've interpreted it correctly, but that's what I think is happening.

[@SANA-br5gd]

@@thebutterflyeffect1015 True that ✨but i think they should not mislead to people.. Like what the girl did she should take the responsibility for that.. Not hop on some genuine guy & ruin his life!!

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

@@thebutterflyeffect1015 Who has she betrayed? The Catholic guy? She's probably done him a favour in the long run. If they'd continued seeing each other there would have been a huge amount of angst - Jewish family raging, Catholic family raging - in order to appease one family, (and only one) there would have to be a conversion - she'd have to convert to Catholicism or he'd have to convert to Judaism OR they do nothing, possibly alienating both families. Yes, the Catholic guy has been denied the opportunity to make a decision but ultimately he's been saved from s huge amount of grief over a one night stand. Is it right? No, definitely not, but I suppose he gets to carry on with his life relatively unaffected.

[@SANA-br5gd]

@@thebutterflyeffect1015 This discussion is becoming a Nationalism issue now 🤣👐relax guys.. Let's just take it as a story!!

[@otureisio4348]

She made a really bad decision including the guy now they have to live with it lol. I don't feel to much sympathy because you just don't do it you wouldn't need options for abortion and adoption if you just prevented it in the first place.

[@rd123.]

This would never happen

[@bartolele8952]

My girlfriend is Jewish and I’m not. Her parents hate me so much.

[@formerlyskidsinmyute]

Kinda racist.

[@svietka202]

They don’t hate u…they don’t want their daughter to have even more Complications in her life than needed

[@luciferazazel1289]

Yaar, I didn't understand who was that men that met her at last? What's the purpose she met her?

[@siddhantbhardwaj4268]

He's marrying her

[@luciferazazel1289]

@@siddhantbhardwaj4268 Oh, why?

[@theeclectic2919]

@@luciferazazel1289 He child needs a father.

[@luciferazazel1289]

@@theeclectic2919 Father? So why is he marrying? He can rather accept her as her daughter too, can't he?

[@jonesr227]

I'm sorry but this movie doesn't make sense to me.

[@grey_mouse]

And what are they going to tell the child? Lie something or tell the truth?

[@aronamaambo9612]

Does the dude know she’s pregnant?

[@jaynecobb6711]

Can the guy do elementary mathematics? If he has been Married for only 8 months and a full term baby is born .... I think he would know that the baby isn't his .

[@jaynecobb6711]

The REAL question is : Does he care ?

[@aronamaambo9612]

@@jaynecobb6711 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jaynecobb6711]

@@aronamaambo9612 And that is funny ... why?

[@jaynecobb6711]

@@aronamaambo9612 Sorry ... which part is the funny part ? Part 1 Or Part 2 Thank you

[@shubhmishra66]

It's best to stay a virgin before marriage. It avoids all relationship and pregnancy nonsense!

[@shubhmishra66]

I say this for both men and women

[@galaxi407]

Use both contraception 👍🏽

[@AGDinCA]

Respectfully, I completely disagree. In fact, I think it can be harmful.

[@rennnnn914]

@ödīñ ŵïlšøń It can be more harmful to find that you are not sexually compatible, and be stuck with that.

[@AGDinCA]

@ödīñ ŵïlšøń There is so much one learns about life and about themselves through the exploration of their sexuality. Important nuances, lessons, experiences... many of which help shape our views of ourselves and of the people we meet. Through this exploration we learn what we like, what we don't like. We learn where our boundaries are, and are not. Many of these experiences are very difficult, painful even. But we grow from our successes and failures, we become a better version of ourselves. Ultimately, we become a better candidate for long term partnership because we _know_ what goes into a relationship. We don't have blinders on. We are ready, willing _and able_ to be fully committed partners. Virgins can surely have loving, successful, committed relationships, too. Of course, they can. But there is simply so much about themselves they never explored, and likely never will. Anyway, those are my thoughts, for whatever they're worth.

[@Amctrovada]

Why is this in the comedy playlist?

[@zyrosqrd2552]

Comedy is episode 2, when baby comes out with bright red hair and blue eyes, speaks with a Brogue. Laughter ensues, as the husband scratches his head. He can't figure out why 2nd kid is Black, 3rd kid Pakistani, 4th kid Chinese. He doesn't understand recessive genes. Curly dad gets the most laughs.

[@maddyIncubus]

Slightly confused about the ending.. does the guy at the end know that she is pregnant ? clearly I'm missing something very obvious here I guess..

[@jspurs22]

Wow thought she was gonna get an abortion, this was well put together Omeleto with another twist

[@carmensaify]

what?! so she's going to marry a stranger & pass the baby off? i don't get this at all. also a lot of toung women wld do anything to be free- this choice us more than cultural

[@Dwayne3007]

Is that Lil Mo from Eastenders? Good to see her back on the screen

[@Jester-Riddle]

SO many interpretations of the facts and circumstances are possible by the subtle omissions in this film ... Many in the comments make sweeping assumptions based on emotional reactions, without facts ! I would just like to raise one issue that seems generally absent in the comments and that is for all the allegations of a Patriarchal Society made in the comments, I didn't see any respect for the interests and rights of the biological father who seemed to kept in the dark (if she was pregnant) and was deprived of knowledge of his own child ! Feminism has societally come so far as to deprive males of their interests without any recognition of that, more than many would let on ...

[@jayrogilfabian4445]

Man, I was expecting more. !!!

[@OnlyTheChronic]

I'm just gonna say it, I was so relieved at the end because I thought for sure she was heading to a Doctor, not that I look down on anyone for that but I still prefer Life if at all possible.

[@lucthomas7626]

The " religious " ones are always the worst....