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Synonyms 2019

Yoav, an Israeli man, moves to Paris with dreams of a new life, but encounters hardship and disappointment. Struggling to adapt, he becomes fixated on transforming himself into a Frenchman, meticulously studying the language and culture. Determined to shed his past and find acceptance, Yoav embarks on a personal journey of reinvention, using a dictionary as his guide in an attempt to erase his Hebrew identity and find redemption.

Yoav, an Israeli man, moves to Paris with dreams of a new life, but encounters hardship and disappointment. Struggling to adapt, he becomes fixated on transforming himself into a Frenchman, meticulously studying the language and culture. Determined to shed his past and find acceptance, Yoav embarks on a personal journey of reinvention, using a dictionary as his guide in an attempt to erase his Hebrew identity and find redemption.

Does Synonyms have end credit scenes?

No!

Synonyms does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Synonyms

Explore the complete cast of Synonyms, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Synonyms

See how Synonyms is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Synonyms stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

74

In overall terms, Synonyms presents a largely confident exploration of identity with a vivid visual approach and insightful thematic ambition. Its episodic structure and relentless shifts create a dynamic narrative environment, though at times pacing feels uneven and conceptual extremes verge on self-indulgence. Performances, especially Mercier’s kinetic lead turn, anchor the film’s emotional core, even amid its abstraction. The result is a predominantly compelling, if occasionally taxing, cinematic experience.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Synonyms

85
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, Synonyms delivers a striking visual palette characterized by saturated colors, dynamic whip pans, and thoughtful production design. Direction exhibits a bold willingness to shift styles, though the episodic editing occasionally disrupts narrative cohesion. The cinematography’s assertive framing and bold color choices establish a confident aesthetic identity. Overall, the film’s craft elevates its thematic depth through a vivid, meticulously composed visual language.

70
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, Synonyms thrives on a forceful lead performance that channels inner turmoil and cultural dislocation with urgency. The protagonist’s emotional journey is conveyed through precise physicality and expressive nuance, though supporting figures remain more opaque. Chemistry among characters is deliberate but distant, reinforcing the film’s thematic alienation. Net, the portrayal sustains interest despite varying depth in secondary characterization.

65
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In narrative terms, Synonyms employs an episodic structure that underscores thematic exploration but occasionally impairs momentum. Plot coherence yields to thematic alchemy, creating unpredictable shifts that some viewers may find uneven. The pacing accelerates in moments of crisis but slows in reflective passages, balancing originality with intermittent weariness. Overall, the story presents a daring conceptual framework that engages intellectually, even as it challenges conventional narrative flow.

90
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When considering sensory experience, Synonyms offers a potent audiovisual landscape anchored by a resonant soundtrack and nuanced sound design. The score complements the visuals with atmospheric restraint, while ambient sounds heighten the protagonist’s disquiet. Visual style remains consistent, with bold color grading and dynamic camera movement enhancing thematic tension. Ultimately, the film’s sensory elements coalesce into an immersive backdrop that amplifies its introspective tone.

60
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

Regarding rewatch value, Synonyms presents a complex thematic and stylistic tapestry that rewards analysis more than casual repetition. The film’s intense pacing and abstract sequences may feel taxing on subsequent viewings, yet its layered symbolism and aesthetic richness invite deeper attention. While its narrative opacity can reduce comfort in later watches, attentive viewers are likely to uncover fresh interpretive insights. Overall, later viewings lean toward thoughtful engagement over light entertainment.

Metacritic

84

Metascore

5.6

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

87%

TOMATOMETER

review

33%

User Score

IMDb

6.3 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

58

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.4

From 32 fan ratings

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Synonyms

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Synonyms. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Synonyms – Official U.S. Trailer

SYNONYMS Director Q&A | TIFF 2019

Nadav Lapid on the Story of Synonyms and Casting Tom Mercier

Nadav Lapid on Israeli Identity, Paris, and the Message of Synonyms | NYFF57

Nadav Lapid on SYNONYMS | TIFF 2019

Nadav Lapid on the Making of Synonyms | NYFF57

Synonyms Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


erectionmale nuditymale rear nuditymale frontal nudityman runs nakedman wears tighty whitiesgay subtextgay interestmale star appears nudemale full frontal nuditymale pubic hairfrenchman in a bathtubman masturbatespenisman in a showerman and woman carry a naked manex israeli soldiermale modelman undressesman touches his penisman puts a finger up his anusman licks his fingerthreesomehomoerotismrunning nakedgaywoman undressesbisexualityjewishfleeingidentitypubic hairshowerone word titlemale protagonistsex scenefeeling coldempty apartmentsmall apartmentdictionaryfather son relationshipman wears underwearman wears briefsisraeliiraeli in francefarnco israeliparis francehebrewautobiographical

Synonyms Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for Synonyms across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Micro Robert Milim Nirdafot Sinônimos 시너님스 Синонимы Sinónimos מילים נרדפות 字旅巴黎 Синоніми 同义词 Eş Anlamlılar Synonyma Συνώνυμα Synonimy Synonymá Синоними 出走巴黎

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