THE ZONE OF INTEREST (2023)

 

Written & Directed By: Jonathan Glazer 

Based On The Novel By: Martin Amis

Cinematography: Lukasz Zal 

Editor: Paul Watts 

Cast:: Sanda Huller, Christian Friedel, Freya Kreutzkam, Ralph Herforth, Max Beck, Ralf Zillman, Imogen Kooge, Lilli Falk, Stephanie Pertrowitz 

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.

This is a film that is best to go into blind. Even after explaining it, I'm not sure it will still be understandable. As this is definitely a film more to be experienced on a big screen. As it is if anything cinematic. Though not entertaining it sets itself up as more of a challenge. As it is more observational and more of an art piece to admire. 

When it comes to filmmaker Jonathan Glazer is one of these filmmakers who is like an heir to Kubrick whereas he takes his time when his films are made. Several years between projects. Not to mention he never makes a decision or makes judgements on the characters portrayed on screen. Amazing production design and well directed. 

What usually causes a stir are technical marvels that are a challenge for the audience to sit through but stunning visuals. 

This is why this film is odd as it keeps the horrors off screen we hear it more than we see anything which is worse as it sets our imaginations loose of what we know. Bro only that bothers that the family at the center of it, sees this all as normal and is treated with no real judgment except when the wife who seems to stay out of politics threatens her Jewish maid late in the film. The fury comes so swift yet so natural

We watch this family’s day-to-day which is why it’s hard to tell where the middle and end of the film are exactly. The film is disorienting as there isn’t really too much of a narrative. So you never know what is coming next. There is a lack of close-ups, mostly middle and wide shots so that we are never tight on anybody or with any of the characters. So they are always distant and kept at a distance. Which is the same that can be said about the movie and its characters.  So much is said in silence and nothing is truly ever explained. 

Glazer’s films and especially this one are technical marvels that are more to be seen, studied, and theorized over than felt that much. As it’s unique in its presentation and storytelling. Showcasing mundane actions and so called normalcy while there is a constant background of screams, crying, shots. Not to mention ash and smoke that leaves the audiences minds to wander and imagine. As the family acts like it is routine. 

So much is unspoken and spare. That is what it delivers. Like everyone, the movie is keeping a secret even at times from one another. It is a holocaust movie at heart. Where we see more of the side of the soldiers running the camp, their home lives, and hinting at the horrors they witness day to day and inflict. Even as they discuss their plans for the future they never acknowledge the human element or any empathy towards the inhabitants. In one scene his wife unleashes a verbal threat that is more chilling than we have ever even seen her husband do. 

The film is experimental and Chilling never knows what is going to happen next. Honestly, this film is going to be an endurance test for most of the audience. 

Grade: A-