The Zone of Interest is a story of complacency and apathy against the backdrop of atrocity. At the height of World War II, Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel) holds the position of commandant at a prestigious locale: Auschwitz. Such an assignment comes with perks. Chief among them is the gorgeous adjoining estate, maintained by Rudolf’s wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller). She often spends the day tending to her children, gardening, and entertaining. And surrounding this idyllic bubble: the concentration camps. The fires burn into the night, and the ash rains down like black snow.
What works in The Zone of Interest is the quiet horror through the power of omission. Writer/director Jonathan Glazer (Under the Skin, Sexy Beast) selects a novel perspective for his tale, using the Höss family as his lens. The result is effectively chilling. There’s a humanization of Nazis that makes them scarier than in previous displays. These people have jobs and lives; what’s propelling and feeding those engines is of little significance. The murder victims of the camps are never seen, but often heard. Their screams flitter through the air while the family carries out their routines—like background music one might put on to accompany dinner. This approach is jarring, unsettling, and wildly informative all at the same time. The resulting insightful narrative is absolutely engaging from beginning to end.RELATED: What to Watch This Weekend – Anatomy of a Fall
People with deep emotional trauma related to the Holocaust may find The Zone of Interest incredibly disturbing. The indifference on display only enhances the grotesque nature of the war crimes committed. This is important (as it is likely a realistic portrayal) but it doesn’t lessen the affecting emotional blows the film repeatedly launches. Also, Glazer wisely makes little to no attempt to sympathize with the main characters. While some pangs of doubt bubble to the surface behind Rudolf’s eyes, Glazer holds the Höss family to their convictions and related actions. This is not a story of reform or redemption. The Zone of Interest is a powerful piece of cinema. It’s use of perspective to offer audiences a glimpse into the lives of Nazis beyond typical portrayals is masterful. The Zone of Interest doesn’t ask people to change their way of thinking, or challenge assumptions. Instead, it takes that universal knowledge base and contextualizes it with a brand-new layer. The result is both informative and frightening. Highly recommended. Recommended if you Enjoyed: Schindler’s List, The Pianist, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
The Zone of Interest has been nominated for Best Picture for the 96th Annual Academy Awards and is now available to watch in theaters.
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