“The Zone of Interest,” a 2023 historical drama film directed by Jonathan Glazer, delves into the unsettling juxtaposition of ordinary life against the backdrop of the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Loosely based on Martin Amis’ 2014 novel, the film received critical acclaim for its dispassionate examination of individuals complicit in horrific crimes. This article explores the plot, critical response, and the film’s impact in the cinematic landscape.
Plot Overview
The film unfolds in 1943, centering on Rudolf Höss, the commandant of Auschwitz, and his attempt to build a dream life with his wife, Hedwig, and their children in a home adjacent to the concentration camp. The juxtaposition of domestic bliss with the gruesome reality of Auschwitz forms the core of the narrative. Höss navigates the complexities of his role, leading to a promotion that entangles him in a devastating operation involving the transportation and extermination of Hungarian Jews.
As Höss grapples with the moral weight of his actions, the film subtly explores the banality of evil. Mundane activities like gardening and family outings coexist with the horrifying sounds of gunshots, trains, and furnaces from the nearby camp. Höss’s emotional detachment and chilling contemplations further contribute to the film’s exploration of the ordinary within the extraordinary.
Critical Response
“The Zone of Interest” premiered to widespread critical acclaim, earning the Grand Prix and FIPRESCI Prize at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. The film’s dispassionate examination of the ordinary lives of those involved in heinous crimes resonated with critics. Rotten Tomatoes reflects a 92% positive review score, while Metacritic averages a score of 90 out of 100, indicating universal acclaim.
Kevin Maher of The Times hailed it as a “landmark movie” unafraid of difficult ideas, emphasizing its importance. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter described it as a “devastating Holocaust drama like no other,” applauding Glazer’s control of tonal and visual storytelling. Critics appreciated the film’s lack of sentimentality, acknowledging the profound respect Glazer demonstrated for the subject matter.
On the flip side, Italian film critic Davide Abbatescianni’s review criticized the film for its disturbing yet monotonous atmosphere. However, these dissenting opinions did not overshadow the overall positive reception.
Impact and Filmmaking Approach
Director Jonathan Glazer’s approach to “The Zone of Interest” drew praise for its unflinching examination of the Holocaust’s human dimension. Glazer’s camera process, meticulous framing, and sound design were lauded for instilling a sense of unease, creating a film where the lack of drama itself became deeply disturbing.
The film’s ability to present extreme inhumanity as ordinary, as noted by Raphael Abraham of the Financial Times, reawakens audiences to the true horror of the Holocaust. Todd Field, a filmmaker, commended Glazer’s unique approach, highlighting the director’s consistent reinvention of genres throughout his career.
“The Zone of Interest” stands as a thought-provoking exploration of the banality of evil, challenging audiences to confront the ordinary lives intertwined with atrocities. The film’s critical acclaim, coupled with its awards and nominations, solidifies its place as a significant cinematic achievement, contributing to the ongoing discourse surrounding the representation of historical atrocities in film.
