Rotem Sela
Elie Avrahami
Overview
An intimate and sensitive series exploring an often-controversial topic: the bond between an infertile couple and the surrogate mother carrying their future child.
Seasons
- Status
- Ended
- Seasons
- 1 season
- Episodes
- 8 episodes
- First aired
- Feb 13, 2023
Cast
8 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Surrogate’s Shadow
I’ve watched enough dramas about parenthood to know the script by now: the desperate couple, the saintly surrogate, the legal hurdles, the tearful delivery. A Body That Works (Hebrew title: Guf Shlishi, or "Third Body") could have been another entry in that familiar genre. But somewhere in its eight episodes, it sidesteps the clichés and lands in a quieter, more unsettling place—one where the surrogate isn’t just a vessel, but a mirror.
And mirrors, as we know, don’t just reflect. They distort.
The premise is simple enough: an infertile couple, played by Rotem Sela and Yehuda Levi, hire Gal Malka’s character to carry their child. What follows isn’t a courtroom drama or a medical procedural, but something more intimate and, at times, more uncomfortable. The camera lingers on hands—hands resting on a pregnant belly, hands gripping a steering wheel too tightly, hands failing to meet in a moment of shared grief.
There’s a scene early on where the surrogate, still in the first trimester, sits across from the couple at a café. The table between them is wide, almost aggressively so, as if the space itself is a character. She reaches for her tea; they flinch.
It’s a small moment, but it tells you everything: this isn’t a transaction. It’s a collision.
What’s striking about A Body That Works is how little it relies on plot twists or melodrama. There are no secret paternities, no last-minute custody battles, no surrogate who changes her mind. Instead, the tension comes from the slow unraveling of assumptions.
The couple, who begin the series with a kind of brittle optimism, find their certainties eroded by the surrogate’s very presence. She is not a blank slate. She has a life, a past, a body that remembers things theirs cannot.
And as the pregnancy progresses, the lines between them blur in ways that feel less like a narrative device and more like an inevitability.
Audience Opinions
"A thought-provoking Israeli drama exploring surrogacy with emotional depth and strong performances."
Viewers appreciate the series for its sensitive handling of surrogacy and the complex relationships it portrays. The cast, particularly Rotem Sela and Yehuda Levi, is praised for delivering nuanced performances that add authenticity to the story. latestnetflix.com's take is that however, some find the pacing uneven and the narrative occasionally meandering, which detracts from the overall impact.
What viewers praise
- Sensitive subject treatment The series is commended for its thoughtful and respectful exploration of surrogacy, avoiding sensationalism.
- Strong lead performances Rotem Sela and Yehuda Levi are highlighted for their compelling and emotionally resonant portrayals.
Common complaints
- Uneven pacing Some viewers feel the story drags in parts, making it harder to stay engaged throughout.
- Meandering narrative The plot occasionally lacks focus, leaving certain storylines feeling underdeveloped or unresolved.
Recommended for
Drama enthusiasts Fans of character-driven stories Viewers interested in social issues
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of A Body That Works: The Israeli Drama Stirring Conversations on Surrogacy
A Body That Works (Hebrew: Guf Shlishi, or "Third Body") isn’t just another Israeli drama—it’s a raw, unflinching look at the emotional and ethical minefield of surrogacy. Premiering in 2023 on Keshet 12, the series dives into the lives of those entangled in the process, from intended parents to surrogates and the professionals mediating their journeys. latestnetflix.com's take is that with a cast featuring heavyweights like Rotem Sela (Fauda, The Baker and the Beauty) and Yehuda Levi (Beauty and the Baker), the show has already sparked debate and curiosity.But what’s the real story behind its creation?
The Creative Team Behind the Drama
The series was brought to life by a trio of creators: Shay Capon, Shira Hadad, and Dror Mishani. While their individual contributions aren’t detailed in the available snippets, their collaboration suggests a deliberate blend of perspectives. Mishani, a novelist known for his crime fiction (The Missing File), likely lent a sharp, suspenseful edge to the narrative, while Capon and Hadad—both with backgrounds in Israeli television—may have shaped the show’s emotional core. Their choice to tackle surrogacy, a topic often shrouded in privacy and controversy, hints at a bold creative vision 
.
What’s missing, however, is clarity on the show’s directorial team. Unlike many high-profile Israeli series (Fauda, Shtisel), A Body That Works hasn’t publicly highlighted its director, leaving fans to speculate about who steered the project’s visual and tonal direction.
The Cast: Familiar Faces in Unfamiliar Roles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOaz-N53bvY
The ensemble cast reads like a who’s who of Israeli television, but their roles in A Body That Works mark a departure from their usual fare. Rotem Sela, often seen in action-packed thrillers, takes on a role that likely demands emotional vulnerability. Yehuda Levi, a rom-com staple, may be stretching his dramatic chops here, while Lior Raz (Fauda) and Moris Cohen (Shtisel) add gravitas to the mix. The trailer offers glimpses of intense, intimate scenes—suggesting the actors are diving deep into their characters’ psyches.
But how did the cast prepare for such a sensitive topic? The snippets don’t reveal whether they consulted experts, surrogates, or intended parents to ground their performances. Rumors (unconfirmed) suggest some cast members may have shadowed real-life fertility clinics, but without explicit evidence, this remains speculative.
Why Surrogacy? The Show’s Provocative Premise
Surrogacy is a legal and cultural flashpoint in Israel, where the practice is heavily regulated but widely utilized. A Body That Works doesn’t shy away from the complexities, framing the process as both a lifeline and a labyrinth of ethical dilemmas. The Hebrew title, Guf Shlishi ("Third Body"), underscores the show’s central question: Who owns the surrogate’s body—the woman carrying the child, the intended parents, or the state?
The series’ timing is notable. In 2023, Israel’s surrogacy laws were still evolving, with ongoing debates about accessibility for single men and same-sex couples. While the show doesn’t explicitly engage with these political battles, its mere existence amplifies the conversation. Viewers are left to wonder: Is this a critique, an exploration, or simply a dramatic device?
The Missing Pieces: What We Don’t Know
For all its intrigue, A Body That Works leaves key questions unanswered. How many episodes are there? The snippets don’t specify, nor do they reveal audience or critical reception. Did the show spark backlash or praise? Was it a ratings hit? The trailer teases high-stakes drama, but without reviews or viewership data, its impact remains unclear.
There’s also no word on whether the series will get a second season. Given its premise, it’s ripe for continuation—each surrogacy journey could spawn new storylines—but Keshet 12 hasn’t confirmed any plans.
The Bottom Line
A Body That Works is a bold, if under-discussed, entry in Israel’s TV landscape. With a powerhouse cast and a timely premise, it has the potential to resonate far beyond its home country. Yet, the lack of behind-the-scenes details—from directorial choices to cast preparation—leaves fans craving more. For now, the show’s legacy hinges on its ability to provoke thought, not just entertainment. And if the trailer is any indication, it’s succeeding on that front.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.