Working Woman (2019)
A searing Israeli drama about a mother navigating workplace sexual harassment, directed by Michal Aviad and anchored by a powerful lead performance.
Working Woman - Movie Information
- Original Title: אישה עובדת
- Release Year: 2019
- Directed by: Michal Aviad
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Original Language: Hebrew
- Spoken Languages: Hebrew
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 29, 2019 (United States), April 17, 2019 (France), February 20, 2020 (New Zealand), October 10, 2019 (Australia), August 8, 2019 (Brazil)
- Alternative Titles: Isha Ovedet (IL), El acoso (AR), 여자의 비애 (KR), ワーキング・ウーマン (JP)
- Production Companies: Lama Films, United King Films, Rabinovich Film Fund Cinema Project
- Production Countries: Israel
Working Woman - Plot
While her husband struggles to keep his restaurant in business, a mother of three lands a job as an assistant to a powerful, but sexually harrassive realtor and brings herself to fight back.
Working Woman - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the story of Orna unfold:
Where to Watch Working Woman
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Working Woman - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Michal Aviad
Main Cast
- Liron Ben-Shlush
- Menashe Noy
- Oshri Cohen
- Sarah Markowitz
Writers
- Sharon Azulay Eyal
- Michal Vinik
- Michal Aviad
Producers
- Ayelet Kait
- Amir Harel
- Leon Edery
- Moshe Edery
Working Woman - FAQs
What is Working Woman about?
Working Woman follows Orna, an Israeli mother of three who lands a job with a powerful real estate developer. As her boss's behavior turns increasingly predatory, she must decide how far she'll go to protect her career, her family, and herself. It's a quietly devastating portrait of workplace abuse and resilience.
Is Working Woman based on a true story?
While Working Woman is not based on one specific true story, director Michal Aviad drew on real testimonies from women who experienced workplace sexual harassment. The film emerged from the broader cultural reckoning of the #MeToo movement and reflects experiences that are painfully common for many women.
Where can you stream Working Woman?
You can watch Working Woman for free on Kanopy or Hoopla. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Kanopy and Hoopla are often accessible through your local library card at no cost.
Does Working Woman have a hopeful or bleak ending?
Working Woman ends on a note of quiet, hard-won agency rather than triumphant resolution. Orna takes a decisive step to reclaim her dignity, but the film doesn't offer easy catharsis. It's more honest than uplifting — a realistic look at what fighting back actually costs, and what it means.
Who are the main actors in Working Woman?
Liron Ben-Shlush leads the film as Orna Haviv, delivering a raw and deeply internalized performance. Menashe Noy plays Benny, her manipulative employer, and Oshri Cohen plays her husband Ofer. Ben-Shlush in particular earned widespread praise for carrying the film's emotional weight with remarkable subtlety.
How was Working Woman received by critics?
Critics responded warmly to Working Woman, praising its restrained direction and Liron Ben-Shlush's central performance. Reviewers highlighted how director Michal Aviad avoids melodrama, letting tension build through small, uncomfortable moments. Many noted it as one of the more honest and affecting films to emerge from the #MeToo era.
Who directed Working Woman and what is her background?
Working Woman was directed by Michal Aviad, an Israeli filmmaker known for her documentary and narrative work exploring women's lives and social issues. Aviad co-wrote the script alongside Sharon Azulay Eyal and Michal Vinik, bringing a grounded, observational style that gives the film its distinctive, unsettling intimacy.
What films are similar to Working Woman?
If Working Woman resonated with you, consider watching The Assistant (2020), which takes a similarly quiet, observational approach to workplace abuse, or She Said (2022), which tackles the broader #MeToo story. TÁR (2022) also explores power dynamics in a professional setting from a compelling, morally complex angle.
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