What Is Maktub About?
The premise of Maktub in 249 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the ancient, sun-washed streets of Jerusalem, two longtime partners in crime, Steve and Chuma, navigate the gritty rhythms of the city’s underworld — a world of shadowy deals and familiar corners. But everything shifts after a devastating act of violence leaves them grappling with questions they never expected to ask. The experience fractures their old certainties and opens the door to something they had long abandoned: the possibility of a different life.
What begins as a quiet reckoning slowly transforms into an unlikely mission. Drawing inspiration from the heartfelt prayers tucked between the ancient stones of the Western Wall, the two men set out to become agents of hope for strangers who have placed their wishes in writing. Their journey carries them through bustling markets, sacred sites, and the intimate neighborhoods of the city, where faith, longing, and humor collide in unexpected ways. Along the way, the duo discovers that their rough edges and streetwise instincts might be precisely what these heartfelt appeals need.
The film weaves a tender, often comedic portrait of redemption set against the rich tapestry of Jerusalem — a city where ancient tradition hums alongside everyday life. With its warm-hearted tone and gentle irony, the story invites viewers into a world where even the most unlikely souls can become vessels for something greater. As Steve and Chuma commit to their new path, the film hints at the lives they will touch and the quiet miracles that may emerge when cynicism gives way to compassion.
What Happens in Maktub?
The complete story of Maktub, from the first scene to the last, in 431 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
Steve and Chuma, two mobsters navigating the underworld while collecting sponsorship fees, find themselves in a life-altering situation after they miraculously survive a terrorist bombing at a restaurant. In the wake of the explosion, Chuma, who is temporarily deafened, believes that their survival was a result of divine intervention, prompting them to head to the Western Wall to offer their prayers.
While at the wall, Steve seizes a note that someone left there, using it as a means to communicate with Chuma. This note, originally written by a lonely boy raised by a single mother who cannot afford a bar mitzvah, inspires the pair to believe they were chosen by G-d to respond to the heartfelt prayers that reside within the wall. The story takes an emotional turn when they decide to visit Boris, the boy from the note, falsely claiming that his mother has won a lottery to host a bar mitzvah celebration.
Their adventures continue when they come across a second note, this time from a woman named Bruria, played by Edna Blilious, who longs for a child with her husband. The couple has had no luck in their attempts to conceive. In a misguided attempt to help, Chuma and Steve orchestrate a fake car accident, leading Bruria to a hospital where she coincidentally meets a fertility specialist. As they investigate further, they learn that Bruria’s husband may be infertile, complicating their plan.
In a humorous turn of events, Chuma visits the Mahane Yehuda Market seeking an old folk remedy for male infertility, which he later offers to Bruria. Throughout this ordeal, Avishar, who sees Chuma as a father figure, grows fond of him, while Chuma unwittingly discovers that Steve also bought the same remedy earlier—implying that Chuma might actually be Avishar’s biological father. The story deepens when they observe Avishar discreetly leaving his own note at the Western Wall, expressing his wish for Chuma to be his father.
However, their lives take another twist when they are captured by their former mob boss, who mistakenly believes they are scheming to take his money. Remarkably, salvation arrives in the form of the mob boss’s own hitman, who turns out to be Bruria’s husband, previously thought to be infertile, and he bears the joyful news of Bruria’s pregnancy.
The film draws to a touching conclusion as Chuma fulfills Avishar’s wish by accompanying him to a soccer match, while Steve comes to terms with Avishar being his son. Amidst laughs and heartfelt moments, Steve and Chuma’s journey serves as a testament to hope, love, and the unexpected paths life can take.
Maktub Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Surviving the Bombing” to “Steve Accepts Avishar”. 7 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Surviving the Bombing
Steve and Chuma, two mobsters, miraculously survive a terrorist bombing in a restaurant. This event serves as a turning point in their lives and leads Chuma to believe they have been spared by divine intervention.
Where:Restaurant
- 2
Prayer at the Western Wall
After the bombing, Chuma insists that they must pray for guidance and heads to the Western Wall. Here, Steve finds a note left in the wall, which he uses to communicate with Chuma, who is temporarily deaf.
Where:Western Wall, Jerusalem
- 3
Reading the Boy's Note
The note they read reveals a lonely boy's wish related to a bar mitzvah, reflecting his mother's struggle to afford the celebration. Steve and Chuma decide they have been chosen by G-d to help answer the prayers left at the Western Wall.
Where:Western Wall, Jerusalem
- 4
Meeting Boris
Steve and Chuma meet with Boris, the lonely boy mentioned in the note. They falsely tell him that his mother has won a lottery that will allow them to throw him a bar mitzvah, hoping to bring joy to the boy's life.
- 5
Meeting Avishar
Chuma encounters Avishar, a boy who is neglected by his father. Steve denies that Avishar is his son, setting the stage for Chuma to become a paternal figure for the boy.
- 6
Bruria's Wish
The second note they read is from Bruria, a woman longing for a child due to her struggles with infertility. Steve and Chuma devise a plan involving a staged car accident to connect her with a fertility doctor.
- 7
The Phony Accident
Chuma and Steve orchestrate a fake car accident that leads Bruria to a hospital. Here, she meets a fertility specialist who suggests that her husband's infertility could be the issue.
Where:Hospital
- 8
Home Remedy for Infertility
Chuma goes to Mahane Yehuda Market in search of a folk remedy for male infertility. He offers this remedy to Bruria, showing his desire to help her achieve motherhood.
Where:Mahane Yehuda Market
- 9
Avishar's Note
While following Avishar, Steve and Chuma witness him leaving a note at the Western Wall. In it, he expresses a heartfelt wish for Chuma to be his father, deepening Chuma's connection to the boy.
Where:Western Wall, Jerusalem
- 10
Capture by the Mob Boss
Steve and Chuma are captured by their former mob boss, who suspects they are trying to take his money and run. Tension escalates as they confront their past and current troubles.
Show the other 4 events of Maktub Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Rescue by the Hitman
Just in time, the hitman, who works for their mob boss, comes to their aid. It is revealed that he is Bruria's husband, who has come to share the good news that she is pregnant.
- 12
Chuma's Role as a Father
The movie culminates with Chuma taking on a father's role for Avishar, as he promises to be there for him. This moment signifies growth for both Chuma and Steve, as they embrace their new circumstances.
- 13
Avishar's Soccer Match
Chuma escorts Avishar to his soccer match, fulfilling the boy's dream and solidifying their bond. This joyful moment reinforces the theme of fatherhood that runs throughout the film.
Where:Soccer Field
- 14
Steve Accepts Avishar
In a touching conclusion, Steve comes to terms with his feelings and finally accepts Avishar as his son. This acceptance marks a significant transformation in Steve's character and relationship dynamics.
Who Are the Main Characters in Maktub?
4 characters, among them Steve (Hanan Savyon), Chuma (Guy Amir) and Bruria (Edna Blilious): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- S(
Steve (Hanan Savyon)
Played by Hanan Savyon
Steve is a mobster with a tough exterior but experiences a transformation throughout the film. Initially concerned about survival and money, he ultimately accepts Avishar as his son, showcasing growth in his character. His partnership with Chuma turns from a self-serving relationship into one of responsibility and care.
- 👨⚖️ Mobster
- 💼 Transformation
- C(
Chuma (Guy Amir)
Played by Guy Amir
Chuma is another mobster who believes in divine intervention after surviving a terrorist attack. His character is deeply affected by the wish of a lonely boy and takes on a fatherly role, especially towards Avishar. He grapples with his identity as both a gangster and a nurturing figure, creating a unique blend of toughness and tenderness.
- 👨👦 Gangster
- ❤️ Nurturing
- B(
Bruria (Edna Blilious)
Played by Edna Blilious
Bruria is a woman struggling with infertility who represents the theme of longing and hope. Her desire for a child drives the plot, leading Chuma and Steve to intervene in her life. Her character reflects the emotional weight of motherhood, as she navigates societal pressures and personal disappointment.
- 👩👧 Motherhood
- 🌈 Hope
- A(
Avishar (Abraham Celektar)
Played by Abraham Celektar
Avishar is a lonely boy seeking parental affection and support. His innocent wishes placed in the Western Wall drive the actions of Chuma and Steve. The relationship he forms with Chuma showcases the longing for acceptance and belonging, as he views Chuma as a father figure.
- 👦 Loneliness
- 💞 Acceptance
Where and When Is Maktub Set?
Maktub is set in Western Wall and Mahane Yehuda Market. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Western Wall, Mahane Yehuda Market
The Western Wall, located in Jerusalem, is a renowned religious site and a place of prayer for Jews worldwide. It is famous for the notes left in its crevices, where visitors express their hopes and wishes. Mahane Yehuda Market, also in Jerusalem, is a vibrant marketplace known for its fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies, often bustling with vendors and shoppers.
- 🕌 Religious Site
- 🛒 Market
What Are the Themes of Maktub?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Faith and Fatherhood.
-
01
Faith
The movie explores themes of faith and divine intervention, as the characters believe they have been spared for a purpose. Their actions in responding to the notes at the Western Wall demonstrate a blend of spirituality and morality. These themes drive the plot, leading the characters to fulfill the wishes of others in a misguided but earnest manner.
-
02
Fatherhood
Fatherhood emerges as a central theme, particularly through Chuma’s relationship with Avishar. The film examines the bonds formed between father figures and sons, even when biological ties are absent. Chuma’s evolution from a mobster to a nurturing figure emphasizes the transformative power of these connections.
What Kind of Film Is Maktub?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A warm and uplifting Israeli comedy-drama following two mobsters who find redemption by answering prayers left at Jerusalem's Western Wall, blending gentle humor with touching moments of family and hope.
- heartwarming
- uplifting
- redemptive
- warm
- gentle
- quirky
- redemption
- faith and spirituality
- found family
- criminal reform
Content notes: terrorist attack (referenced), organized crime.
Quiz
How well do you remember Maktub? Test yourself on the story.
