One of Us

One of Us plays like a documentary thriller about individuals trying to escape a closed society. New York's Hasidim are one of the most insular communities in North America. Haunted by the Holocaust's decimation, they live by strict codes that discourage contact with outsiders. We meet three people who are driven to break away despite threats of retaliation. Etty was forced into marriage at age 19, birthed seven children by age 29, and recounts a history of spousal abuse. Luzer, in his late twenties, broke ties with his family in order to pursue his dreams as an actor. Eighteen-year-old Ari suffers from the trauma of sexual abuse and wants to explore a different way of life. (Toronto International Film Festival)