| Director | Writers | Stars | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Glazer | Martin Amis, Jonathan Glazer | Sandra Hüller, Christian Friedel, Freya Kreutzkam | February 2, 2024 |
The Zone of Interest
“The Zone of Interest” is a 2023 historical drama film directed by Jonathan Glazer and based on the 2014 novel by Martin Amis. The film is a co-production between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Poland. It stars Christian Friedel as the German Nazi commandant Rudolf Höss, who strives to build a dream life with his wife, Hedwig (Sandra Hüller), in a new home next to the German Auschwitz concentration camp.
The film explores the themes of war, love, and the banality of evil, using static and long-shot photography and a minimalist soundtrack. It premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on 19 May 2023 to acclaim, winning both the Grand Prix and FIPRESCI Prize. It was named Best Film by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, selected as one of the top-five international films of 2023 by the National Board of Review, and chosen as the British entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards. It was also nominated for three Golden Globes Awards (including Best Motion Picture – Drama), nine BAFTAs (including Outstanding British Film), and five Academy Awards (including Best Picture and Best International Feature Film).
The plot of the movie is set in 1943, where Rudolf Höss, commandant of the Auschwitz concentration camp, lives with his wife Hedwig and their five children in an idyllic home next to the camp. Höss takes the children out to swim and fish, and Hedwig spends much of her time tending the garden. Servants handle chores around the house, while the prisoners’ belongings are given to the family. Beyond the garden wall, gunshots, shouting and sounds of trains and furnaces are constantly heard. Höss approves the design of a new crematorium, which soon becomes operational.
One day, Höss notices human remains in the river; he quickly gets his children out of the water before sending a note to camp personnel, chastising them for their carelessness. Höss receives word that he is being promoted to deputy inspector of all concentration camps and must relocate to Oranienburg near Berlin. He objects to no avail and withholds the news from Hedwig for several days. Hedwig, deeply attached to their dream home, begs him to convince his superiors to let her and the children remain. The request is approved and Höss moves out shortly afterwards. Hedwig’s mother comes to stay, but is horrified at the sight of the camp and leaves in the night unannounced.
“The Zone of Interest” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of human nature and the horrors of war. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, drama, and the human condition.