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Drama

Scaffolding (2018): Cast, Ratings & Where to Watch

Scaffolding (2018) movie poster

Scaffolding is a 2018 drama directed by Matan Yair, starring Asher Lax as Asher, Ami Smolartchik and Keren Berger. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes and was made on a reported $350,000 budget. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Stream it on Fandango at Home Free and Fawesome, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Fandango At Home.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
83%
Echo Score
78
Metascore
69
Scaffolding (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Director
Matan Yair
Genre
Drama
Original language
Hebrew
Budget
$350K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Scaffolding About?

The premise of Scaffolding without spoilers.

Asher, a rebellious 17-year-old, struggles with adolescence and a volatile temper that constantly threatens to overwhelm him. Despite his anger and occasional violence, he possesses a captivating charisma and street smarts that draw people to him. Caught between his father’s expectations and his own aspirations, Asher’s life takes an unexpected turn when he finds guidance and understanding in a kind and supportive literature teacher named Rami.

Scaffolding Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • coming of age
  • construction worker
  • suicide
  • teacher student relationship
  • father son relationship
  • abusive father son relationship
  • aggressive student
  • one word title
  • israel
  • telling a joke
  • newspaper
  • donkey
+38 more
  • singing
  • fight
  • looking at oneself in a mirror
  • exam
  • hospital
  • truck
  • principal
  • principal's office
  • jewish
  • mezuzah
  • reference to antigone
  • urination
  • hookah
  • suicide note
  • sunscreen
  • sleeping outside
  • scaffolding
  • classroom
  • oral exam
  • school
  • counting money
  • suicide of teacher
  • dancing
  • birthday present
  • aggression
  • car accident
  • soccer
  • death of teacher
  • father slaps his son
  • apartment
  • sneaking in
  • taking a picture
  • scaffold
  • birthday
  • slapped in the face
  • beard
  • party
  • strict father
Where to watch

Where to Watch Scaffolding

Stream it on Fandango at Home Free and Fawesome, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Scaffolding Cast & Characters

Asher Lax leads the cast as Asher, with Ami Smolartchik as Rami and Keren Berger as Shira. Directed by Matan Yair; 5 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Scaffolding

· 1 more
Ratings

Scaffolding Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Scaffolding 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in story & flow (65).

78 /100

Scaffolding Echo Score Breakdown

Scaffolding excels in its intimate portrayal of academic struggle despite occasional narrative heavy-handedness. Reviews highlight the film’s steady tension and naturalistic direction, noting bursts of compassion that counter its looming stakes. While some critics point to overt metaphors and a somewhat trite resolution, many praise the film’s engrossing character focus and realist drama style. The balanced performances and documentary-like clarity foster engagement even as the plot hints at familiar beats. Overall, Scaffolding delivers a compelling study that largely resonates despite minor pacing and thematic unevenness.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of visual direction and production design, Scaffolding adopts a restrained, documentary-style approach. Critics note its naturalistic framing and measured editing that underscore the characters’ internal tension. The cinematography’s subdued color palette and unobtrusive camera work create an immersive, observational feel. While some reviewers mention a basic narrative structure, the film’s coherent visual language consistently reinforces its realist tone.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character depth, Scaffolding delivers a nuanced portrait of its protagonists. Reviews highlight Lax’s volatile energy and moments of compassion, as well as the teacher’s complex mixture of deficiencies and warmth. The film’s focus on interpersonal dynamics fosters emotional engagement and authentic chemistry. Overall, the character study resonates with sincerity and psychological detail.

  • Story & Flow 65

    In terms of plot coherence and pacing, Scaffolding presents a deliberate build toward a climactic act of defiance. Critics observe a rudimentary narrative structure that gains momentum, though some find the use of metaphors overly explicit and an ultimately predictable resolution. The thematic ambiguities at times feel underdeveloped, tempering engagement. Overall, the story balances tension with familiar dramatic conventions.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    In terms of sensory experience, Scaffolding employs a subdued sound design and an understated musical score to complement its realist visuals. Critics praise the film’s cohesive audio-visual synergy and the restrained soundtrack that amplifies tension without drawing attention. The visual style’s muted tones and cohesive composition support the overall immersive atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    When it comes to rewatch factor, Scaffolding offers an absorbing character study that rewards a second viewing with additional emotional textures. Reviews suggest that the nuanced performances and documentary-like pacing reveal fresh details upon repeat viewings. However, the familiar narrative arc may limit some long-term novelty. Overall, the film maintains a modest but enduring appeal.

Details

Scaffolding Also Known As

10 alternative titles, including “Pigumim” and “Aprendiendo a vivir”.

Also known as
  • Pigumim
  • Aprendiendo a vivir
  • Les destinées d'Asher
  • Állvány
  • Droga Aszera
  • Povestea lui Asher
  • Леса
  • 스캐폴딩
  • Andaimes
  • 施工架

Seen Scaffolding?

FAQ

Scaffolding FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of Scaffolding, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Scaffolding?

Scaffolding runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was Scaffolding released?

Scaffolding was released on September 28, 2018.

Who directed Scaffolding?

Scaffolding was directed by Matan Yair.

More films by Matan Yair

Who is in the cast of Scaffolding?

Scaffolding stars Asher Lax as Asher, Ami Smolartchik as Rami and Keren Berger as Shira, among 5 credited actors.

Where can I watch Scaffolding?

In the US, Scaffolding is streaming on Fandango at Home Free, Fawesome and Filmzie and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

What was the budget of Scaffolding?

Scaffolding had a reported budget of $350,000.

How is Scaffolding rated?

Scaffolding has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic and 56% on TMDB.

Does Scaffolding have a post-credit scene?

No. Scaffolding has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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