Foxtrot (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Foxtrot is a 2017 drama directed by Samuel Maoz, starring Lior Ashkenazi as Michael Feldman, Sarah Adler and Shira Haas. It runs 1 hour 48 minutes and earned $1.4 million worldwide. Critics gave it 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and 88 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 48m (108 min)
- Director
- Samuel Maoz
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
Hebrew
- Studio
- Filmcoopi Zürich
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Foxtrot About?
The premise of Foxtrot without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Michael and Dafna are overwhelmed by the tragic loss of their son, Jonathan, and struggle to cope with their grief. As they navigate the bureaucratic processes surrounding his death, they are confronted with unexpected and unsettling circumstances. Michael’s despair intensifies, leading him on a surreal and disorienting journey that reflects the confusing and traumatic experiences his son faced during his military service. The film explores themes of loss, grief, and the absurdity of institutional responses to personal tragedy.
Foxtrot Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- camel
- funeral arrangement
- erection
- ejaculation
- female nipple
- loss of son
- grief
- israeli soldier
- crying woman
- senility
- dementia
- israeli army
+38 more Show fewer
- security checkpoint
- accidental death
- soda can
- foxtrot the dance
- kicking a dog
- jarhead
- mourning
- husband wife relationship
- sedative
- dog
- machine gun
- burn
- bloody hand
- steel wool
- dancing
- car accident
- jeep
- comic book
- artist
- sketch
- bulldozer
- mother son relationship
- israeli
- israel
- marijuana
- mistaken for dead
- mistaken belief that someone is dead
- burn scar
- fainting
- casualty notification
- death notification
- shouting
- gunfire
- checkpoint
- father son relationship
- brother sister relationship
- brother brother relationship
- family relationships
Foxtrot Cast & Characters
Lior Ashkenazi leads the cast as Michael Feldman, with Sarah Adler as Daphna Feldman and Shira Haas as Alma. Directed by Samuel Maoz; 11 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Samuel Maoz
-
Lior Ashkenazi as Michael Feldman - Sarah Adler as Daphna Feldman
- Shira Haas as Alma
- Yehuda Almagor as Avigdor - Michael's Brother
Also Starring in Foxtrot
· 7 more- Dekel Adin Squad
- Gefen Barkai Squad
- Shaul Amir Squad
- Aryeh Cherner
- Rami Buzaglo
- Ran Buxenbaum
- Yonaton Shiray
More from Samuel Maoz
One more film directed by Samuel Maoz: Lebanon.
Foxtrot Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Foxtrot 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and 88 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).
Foxtrot Echo Score Breakdown
The film’s principal strength is its striking visual design and thought-provoking thematic depth. It combines meticulous tone control and haunting imagery with emotionally charged performances to craft a memorable anti-war allegory. While the narrative’s deliberate pacing and occasional structural unevenness may test some viewers’ patience, its layered symbolism and probing of grief steadily reward the attentive audience. Net effect: a compelling yet demanding meditation on loss, national identity, and the repetitive patterns of conflict.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of art and craft, the film excels with striking composition and assured visual design. Critics highlight meticulously framed sequences and varied aesthetic approaches across its three acts. Innovative camera work and precise production design reinforce the emotional themes. Overall, the direction and cinematography deliver a cohesive and memorable visual experience.
- Character & Emotion 80
When it comes to character and emotion, performances are generally praised for depth and nuance. Lior Ashkenazi’s portrayal conveys volatile insecurity, while supporting roles offer sustained emotional resonance. The film relies on measured restraint and unspoken dialogue to reveal inner states. Although some viewers noted limited empathy with certain figures, the central performances remain compelling and affecting.
- Story & Flow 65
In terms of story and flow, Foxtrot presents an original three-part structure that explores loss and allegory. Critics and viewers find its thematic ambition rewarding, but some note the pacing is deliberately languid and structural reveals can feel uneven. Narrative ambiguity and extended pauses may undercut engagement at times, though the film’s layered symbolism offers satisfaction for those patient with its rhythm.
- Sensory Experience 80
When it comes to sensory experience, the film offers a strong visual and auditory presence. The dreamlike color palettes and varied lighting schemes create distinct atmospheres across the three segments. Though the soundtrack is restrained, sound design emphasizes ambient realism. Overall, the fusion of sound and imagery produces an immersive, somatic impact that underscores the film’s thematic tension.
- Rewatch Factor 60
In terms of rewatch factor, opinions diverge on repeat engagement. The film’s rich symbolism and structural complexity reward attentive second viewings, revealing fresh interpretations of its allegories. However, its deliberate pacing and dense thematic focus may deter casual revisits. While not universally inviting, Foxtrot holds lasting appeal for audiences invested in its layered narrative and visual metaphors.
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IMDb 7.2 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 94% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 77%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 88 Metascore
User score 7.0
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 68% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.9 /5
50 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Foxtrot Plot Summary
What happens in Foxtrot from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
From the start, Michael Feldman and Daphna Feldman are introduced as a well-to-do Tel Aviv couple whose world tilts when they learn their son, Jonathan, has died in the line of duty. The Israel Defense Forces deliver the news with a clinical detachment, withholding details about where and how Jonathan died or whether his body has been recovered. Only hours later does a follow-up notification arrive, revealing—almost in passing—that a grave mix-up occurred and it was another Jonathan Feldman who was killed. An irate Michael presses for his son’s return, insisting on bringing him home immediately and pulling strings to speed up the homecoming, even as the authorities promise Jonathan will arrive by the next day.
Full summary
The whole story of Foxtrot, scene by scene
Foxtrot Box Office
Foxtrot grossed $1.4 million worldwide. $618,883 came from the US and Canada and $737,276 (54%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$1.4M
- US & Canada
- $618.9K
- International
- $737.3K
Foxtrot Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer Foxtrot | Official Trailer HD (2017)
How Well Do You Know Foxtrot?
9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 9
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
What is the name of the couple who receive the mistaken notification about their son's death?
Cars in Foxtrot
8 cars on screen, including the 1982 Buick Regal and the Mercedes-Benz 190 W201.
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1982 Buick Regal Important role -
Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 Important role -
Peugeot J9 Important role -
Caterpillar unknown Minor role
Foxtrot Also Known As
10 alternative titles, including “Fokstrot” and “Foxtrot - La danza del destino”.
- Also known as
-
- Fokstrot
- Foxtrot - La danza del destino
- 폭스트롯
- 戰地回憶
- Foxtrott
- Фокстрот
- 狐步舞
- 戰地狐步舞
- 今天跳舞不打仗
- 運命は踊る
Seen Foxtrot?
Movies Like Foxtrot
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Knafayim Shvurot, A Tale of Love and Darkness and For My Father.
Foxtrot FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Foxtrot, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Foxtrot?
Foxtrot runs 1 hour 48 minutes (108 minutes).
When was Foxtrot released?
Foxtrot was released on December 8, 2017.
Who directed Foxtrot?
Foxtrot was directed by Samuel Maoz.
More films by Samuel Maoz Who is in the cast of Foxtrot?
Foxtrot stars Lior Ashkenazi as Michael Feldman, Sarah Adler as Daphna Feldman and Shira Haas as Alma, among 11 credited actors.
How much did Foxtrot make at the box office?
Foxtrot grossed $1.4 million worldwide ($618,883 domestic, $737,276 international).
How is Foxtrot rated?
Foxtrot has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 88 on Metacritic and 68% on TMDB.
Does Foxtrot have a post-credit scene?
No. Foxtrot has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Foxtrot in?
The original language of Foxtrot is Hebrew.
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