I actually love a good romance, or even a good story that only has romantic elements to it, or one that is not your typical Hollywood wrapped-up-in-a-bow Romance (think “Witness” in 1985 or “Somewhere In Time” from 1980). Although the film’s pacing and some directorial choices may test American audiences, I look forward to seeing more from Director Maxime Giroux after seeing “Felix and Meira,” another unconventional romance.

Meira (Hadas Yaron) is a Hasidic Jewish wife and mother trapped in a loveless marriage, while Félix (Martin Dubreuil) is an irreligious outsider grieving over the recent death of his estranged father. Faith and improbable friendship intertwine and become something more as the two find shelter from their respective storms in each other’s company. Félix eccentrically charms his way into Meira’s heart, which only casts her tenuous marriage in an even harsher light. Does she stay on her present predictable course, or plot a new one down a road that may lead to the loss of her family?

Giroux gets genuine performances from Dubreuil and Yaron, and their chemistry is real and infectious. Giroux also allows for Luzer Twersky as Shulem, Meira’s domineering husband, to be a sympathetic character, one who never devolves into being a simple, one-dimensional villain. Gospel music makes for an interesting double-edged presence, and even the cinematography — which makes best use of such locations as Montreal and Venice, Italy — attempts storytelling, with Dubreuil’s Félix usually bathed in warm tones to reflect his outlook and very different world from Yaron’s Meira, ensconced as she often is in cold hues that mirror her lifeless, by-the-numbers marriage.

Considerable investment is needed as the pace of “Felix and Meira” includes long, wordless scenes, and a focus on the everyday. The ending may be a bit polarizing to some, but some resolutions are not always neat and tidy, nor should they be; although I will admit to wanting more of a payoff after such a rich investment.

REVIEW

• THE FILM: `Felix and Meira'
• CRITIC RATING: **1/2
• STARRING: Martin Dubreuil, Hadas Yaron, Luzer Twersky.
• BEHIND THE SCENES: The vintage footage of a woman playing guitar was used because Giroux had seen it in YouTube, loved it, and the crew agreed, so it was incorporated into the film.
• PLAYING: Broadway Theater in Salt Lake City.
• MPAA RATING: Rated R for a scene of sexuality/nudity. 105 minutes.