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“The Zone of Interest”: the Award-Winning Film that Drew both Acclaim and Criticism by Miles Page

Photo source: A24 Films


When the director of a not-yet-known international movie stepped up to the stage to receive the Oscar for Best International Foreign Film, no one was expecting his acceptance speech to openly denounce the actions of Israel in response to the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas. His divisive speech took some of the spotlight away from the film that won the Oscar, the A24-produced biopic “The Zone of Interest.” Though Glazer’s acceptance speech overshadowed some of the acclaim his movie received, the film should not be overlooked.


“The Zone of Interest” depicts a fictionalized version of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz during the second World War, specifically the neighborhood sitting right next to it. Originally a book by Martin Amis, an author known for his thought-provoking novels, “The Zone of Interest” crafts a compelling story set that explores the complexities of morality, power, and redemption.


At its core, “The Zone of Interest” is a story about moral conflict and our own roles in being complacent with evil. The film focuses on the life of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife Hedwig, who live with their family in a home in the “Zone of Interest” next to the concentration camp. Christian Friedel stars as Rudolf Höss alongside Sandra Hüller as Hedwig Höss. Through their perspectives, the movie offers a chilling portrayal of life within the concentration camp. 


“The Zone of Interest” can be a difficult movie to watch at times. Some viewers may find the subject matter too disturbing or difficult to bear, and Glazer's unflinching portrayal of violence may be off-putting to some. However, it’s important to watch these scenes and understand that they aren’t fully fictional. Glazer masterfully juxtaposes the Höss family’s domestic bliss—showing scenes like swimming in the pool or reading bedtime stories—to the horrors happening right next door. These scenes are rightfully disturbing and give the film some of the most powerful portrayals of the Holocaust.


British director Jonathan Glazer decided to take on the project to demystify the perpetrators of the Holocaust, which he noted are often portrayed as “almost mythologically evil.” He sought to tell the story of the Holocaust not “as something safely in the past,” but “a story of the here and now.” Glazer, who is Jewish, has publicly denounced the actions of Israel in the war with Hamas, but his words have been twisted by those seeking to downplay the Holocaust. 


He has also seemingly equated the Holocaust with the situation in Palestine, which has drawn criticism from people who didn’t agree with his statement: “Whether the victims of October the 7th in Israel or the ongoing attack on Gaza, all the victims of this dehumanization, how do we resist?” 


Overall, “The Zone of Interest” is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that explores the depths of human depravity. The movie’s unflinching depictions of death and its complex characters make for a challenging yet rewarding viewing experience, one that will linger long after the screen goes dark.


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