Director: Jonathan Glazer | Writer: Martin Amis
Starring: Christian Friedel, Sandra Huller
There is simply so much here, as with any Holocaust films; where exactly do you start? I guess it usually boils down to, did the film bring the depth of the tragedy to the screen well enough, and were there enough original elements to make the retelling of the story impactful yet again? Zone of Interest did its job, the answer to both those questions is yes, so in that way the movie was a success. Difficult to watch, of course, but successful nonetheless, serving as another reminder of perhaps the one moment in history that we just can’t afford to forget.
The Hoss family lives in a lovely newly-renovated home that they hope to raise their children in for many years to come. It has a small pool, a beautiful garden, a greenhouse, the river is nearby, there are plenty of servants, and it’s also right next door to Rudolf Hoss’ workplace, the death camp of Auschwitz. Hoss is tasked with creating efficient solutions to the Jewish Problem, particularly and simply how to get rid of so many people in so little time. But, with the loving support of his wife and children, he’s sure to solve the problem and earn a promotion, all while living in a wonderful paradise abutting the barbed wire walls.
It’s enough to make you vomit; I remember the time I watched Schindler’s List after having kids, and how I had to step away because that view hit differently than watching it in high school. And that’s exactly why we have to keep remembering, keep telling stories about it, keep fighting against people who might deny, excuse, or downplay it, because it should turn our stomachs and we should feel exactly how we feel watching a film like this. Zone of Interest is hard to watch, but it’s not gruesome, it’s simply unfeeling. Mostly we see the Hoss family going about their lives, dealing with their small problems, while on the other side of the wall unfathomable things are happening. It’s more than upsetting, it’s disgusting, and the way this film tells that story is both important and new, which only helps keep the tragedy from fading from our memories.
My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆