What does it take to escape painful memories? Harry Haft’s own struggle to overcome his personal trauma is the basis for “The Survivor.” The true story of coming to grips with unspeakable evil and its lingering influences marks a theatrical return for Barry Levinson. The director’s most recent projects saw him helm selected mini-series episodes along with HBO movies like “Paterno” and “Wizard of Lies.” All gave Levinson the chance to tackle real-life stories or situations grounded in today’s headlines, with the mini-series “Dopesick” pointing towards the opioid epidemic. The 2021 Toronto International Film Festival selection “The Survivor” builds off those emotional tenets as it showcases a remarkable life (read our review here).
Haft’s story starts with the World War II invasion of Poland. After being sent to Auschwitz, the man finds himself faced with an impossible choice; an officer gives him the chance to fight for his life, but winning comes with a horrific price. ‘Survivor’ moves its narrative forward into other points of the protagonist’s life. Screenwriter Justine Juel Gillmer pushes through various periods in time to showcase hidden but all too human elements. The journey takes Haft towards a major boxing match with Rocky Marciano and an even more gripping joust against the hidden psychological scars that follow his every move.
Ben Foster stars as the conflicted boxer. The role offers Foster the chance to build on an already impressive list of performances; his work in the film ”Hell Or High Water” established the actor as more than capable of handling dramatic material. Vicky Krieps makes her presence known with a role that progresses the story and encapsulates the emotional aspects. The actress can be seen in the upcoming “Bergman Island.” Billy Magnussen, Peter Sarsgaard, John Leguizamo, Danny DeVito, Dar Zuzovsky, and Saro Emirze also star in the film.
The horrors of war linger in Barry Levinson’s “The Survivor,” which debuts April 27 on HBO. Watch the new trailer below.
