Eytan Fox’s The Bubble takes an erotic and often funny look at what it must be like to live in Israel during these historically trying times. This film is teeming with pop-culture references and imagery that would make any fan of “Queer Cinema” stand up and give a proud ovation.

The plot focuses on a group of friends: Noam (the Israeli soldier), Ashraf (his somewhat closeted Palestinian lover), Lulu (their hot “hag”) and Yali (their fabulous friend). Each of these four individuals is no different than anyone you would encounter in Los Angeles or New York.

They listen to Morrissey and Bright Eyes. They dress in the latest styles. They want love and talk about relationships. They even have strong connections with their families. The one amazing difference is that each lives those moments within the war-torn Middle East.

Yousef Sweid (Ashraf) and Ohad Knoller (Noam) have unspeakable onscreen chemistry. Their relationship is directed with great care by Fox, who pushes the parameters of what audiences may be used to seeing on camera without making it vulgar or cartoony.

At times, it’s easy to forget that The Bubble is a work of fiction and not a documentary. The dialogue and performances flow wonderfully from one scene to the next. But the best thing that this film accomplishes is getting across the human aspect of these people without tangling the viewer up in any particular political point of view.

The Bubble is less about the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and more about a worldly group of friends living their lives the best way they know how.

Grade: A+

The Bubble releases in select theaters Sept. 7.