Nuremberg is a story about the unsettling nature of evil and the thin line between justice and vengeance. In the immediate aftermath of World War II, American psychiatrist Lt. Col. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) is assigned to evaluate several high-ranking Nazi war criminals awaiting trial. Among them is Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe), the once-powerful head of the Luftwaffe and now a prisoner facing the consequences of his crimes. As Kelley delves deeper into Göring’s psyche, the two men engage in a chilling psychological duel that forces Kelley to confront not only his subjects’ depravity but also his own assumptions about morality, duty, and humanity.
What works in Nuremberg are the powerhouse performances and the film’s unflinching moral focus. Writer-director James Vanderbilt crafts a gripping psychological drama that feels both intimate and epic. Crowe is mesmerizing as Göring. He is charismatic, intelligent, and terrifying in equal measure. Malek delivers one of his most controlled and introspective performances, capturing Kelley’s gradual realization that understanding evil can be as corrosive as confronting it. The supporting cast, including Michael Shannon and Richard E. Grant, adds depth and texture, while the production design and cinematography recreate postwar Europe with somber authenticity. Vanderbilt keeps the tension taut, balancing procedural precision with emotional gravity.
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People who expect a sweeping war spectacle or fast-paced courtroom drama may not enjoy Nuremberg as much as others. The pacing is deliberate, emphasizing conversation and introspection over action. Its tone is austere, and its visual palette intentionally muted, which may feel heavy to those seeking something more dynamic. In addition, the film occasionally leans on familiar tropes. The crew includes the haunted investigator, the manipulative genius, etc. Fortunately, they serve the story rather than overshadow it. Viewers looking for bold stylistic flourishes may instead find a film more interested in slow, intellectual unease than showy dramatics.
Nuremberg is a sobering and thought-provoking film that lingers long after the credits. Anchored by commanding performances and a director unafraid to sit in silence and discomfort, it examines humanity’s darkest corners with precision and empathy. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s an important one. This is the kind of film that sparks conversation as much as reflection. Recommended.
Recommended if you enjoyed: A Time to Kill, The Trial of the Chicago 7
Nuremberg is available in theaters beginning on November 7th, 2025
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