Rudolf lives is simple life. Working hard at his job, he returns home to his wife and family with affection in his eyes. His love for his children and his marriage reveal a compassion that is both heartfelt and heartwarming. He works long hours in order to provide for them, and is respected by others in his workplace.
Oh, he’s also a middle-ranking Nazi, overseeing the death camps in Auschwitz.
Directed by Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest tells the true story of Rudolf Hoss (Christian Friedel), a Nazi officer who is increasingly burdened by his work. Tasked with maintaining order within Auschwitz, Rudolph spends his days working with his staff and discussing the latest upgrades for their tortuous facility. When his boss makes some changes to the structure of leadership, Rudolph is transferred, placing stress on his family relationships.
This world of (apparent) normalcy is the horrifying setting of Zone of Interest, one of the most daring and celebrated titles of 2023. Winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes earlier this year, Interest is a title on many people’s radar with good reason. The sheer audacity of this film is worth the price of admission alone. Although the film is neither graphic nor offensive in its content, it draws in the audience to appreciate its characters. Drowning in the coolness of normalcy, Glazer numbs his audience into a state of complacency. Use of long takes and pastoral family moments create a sense of empathy for his characters.
But then, it hits you with reality.
To them, they are thankful for the blessings that they have received for their hard work. Complaints about job transfers, upgrading facilities and other work matters are held with the same tone that one might get from NBC’s The Office. They see your problem with their accomplishments and remain satisfied with themselves. After all, because of their hard work, they’ve earned the right to kick back a little bit and enjoy the privileges of success, right?
However, across the fence lies the disgust of Auschwitz. Inconvenient noises keep them up at night but are, in fact, the screams of families in the incinerator. And, to the Hoss family, the devastating realities of war are merely their day-to-day activities. Their love for their families is genuine but Jewish population are treated as an afterthought. Steeped in power and privilege, the Hoss family simply doesn’t see the problem with their world.
And therein lies the true horror of the film.
Zone of Interest need not be graphic to remind its audience of the darkness and devastation that lies at the feet of the German elite. Their lack of self-awareness is almost comical, but never funny. These men and women are so steeped in their own world views that they’re simply cold to the exploits of others.
Rather than attempting to convince the audience of the horror, Glazer instead creates compelling arguments about privilege and power that applies to all generations. Though set in the Holocaust, the ineptitude of the upper class that we witness in Zone of Interest could take place at any time with any oppressed people group. From Black Lives Matter to apartheid, the ease at which oppression evolves cannot be understated. Ironically, by highlighting the humanity of the Nazi culture, Zone of Interest points to the darkness that still plague our world today.
Zone of Interest is available in theatres on Friday, December 8th, 2023.
