The Zone of Interest

The Zone of Interest

The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.

  • Released:
  • Runtime: 105 minutes
  • Genre: Drama, History, War
  • Stars: Sandra Hüller, Christian Friedel, Maximilian Beck, Daniel Holzberg, Sascha Maaz, Wolfgang Lampl, Freya Kreutzkam, Stephanie Petrowitz, Marie Rosa Tietjen, Max Beck, Johann Karthaus, Ralph Herforth, Medusa Knopf, Lilli Falk, Nele Ahrensmeier, Ralf Zillmann, Imogen Kogge, Julia Polaczek, Martyna Poznanski, Luis Noah Witte
  • Director: Jonathan Glazer
 Comments
  • raidersfan-77906 - 2 July 2024
    A DIFFERENT LIFE
    It seems like every year there is a new Holocaust film or two, sometimes more.

    Some of these focus on the Holocaust directly while others would be better categorized as WWII films, but the two can not be entirely separated.

    It is important to revisit history through film so that we understand it and do not repeat it, but some of the films are better than other and they don't always offer anything new to the viewer.

    I found The Zone of Interest to be a very new perspective on this important historical event, at least it is new to me from the films I have seen before.

    It offers a look at a different life than we have seen before, at least not something that is focused on to this degree in prior Holocaust films that I have seen.

    In doing so, it allows us to view things from a different angle.
  • emjgiddy - 4 June 2024
    A Chilling but Uneven Holocaust Drama
    The Zone of Interest, directed by Jonathan Glazer, is a provocative and unsettling film that explores the banality of evil through the lens of a Nazi officer's family living near Auschwitz. Based on the novel by Martin Amis, the film attempts to juxtapose the ordinary lives of the perpetrators with the horrors of the Holocaust.

    The film's primary strength lies in its stark, almost clinical portrayal of the Holocaust's periphery. Christian Friedel and Sandra Hüller deliver compelling performances as Rudolf Höss, the commandant of Auschwitz, and his wife Hedwig. Their depiction of a seemingly normal family life, set against the backdrop of unimaginable atrocities, creates a chilling contrast that lingers with the viewer.

    Glazer's direction is meticulous, emphasizing the mundane aspects of the Höss family's daily routines. The deliberate pacing and detached cinematography serve to highlight the dissonance between their ordinary existence and the horrors occurring just beyond their garden wall. The film's sound design, which subtly incorporates ambient noises from the camp, further enhances this unsettling atmosphere.

    Despite these strengths, The Zone of Interest struggles with its narrative structure and pacing. The film's focus on the banality of evil, while conceptually powerful, results in a story that feels emotionally distant and, at times, monotonous. The repetitive depiction of the family's daily life, though intentional, can become tiresome and dull for the viewer, detracting from the overall impact.

    Moreover, the film's minimalistic approach to dialogue and action leaves much to be inferred by the audience. While this technique can be effective in conveying the chilling normalcy of the characters' lives, it also risks alienating viewers who may find the lack of direct engagement with the Holocaust's atrocities frustrating. The film's refusal to confront the horrors head-on, while thematically consistent, may leave some feeling that it skirts around the true emotional core of its subject matter.

    In terms of historical context, The Zone of Interest provides limited background on the events and individuals involved. This reliance on the audience's prior knowledge of the Holocaust can be a double-edged sword, potentially reducing the film's accessibility and emotional resonance for those less familiar with the history.

    In conclusion, The Zone of Interest is a bold and thought-provoking film that succeeds in its depiction of the banality of evil, yet struggles with pacing and emotional engagement. The performances and direction are commendable, but the film's minimalist approach may not resonate with all viewers. While it offers a unique perspective on a well-trodden subject, its execution leaves room for improvement.