It’s been about ten years since filmmaker Jonathan Glazer’s last feature, the chilling and dazzling “Under The Skin,” starring Scarlett Johansson as an alien who begins to learn empathy. His latest, “The Zone Of Interest,” is arguably the opposite, about a family and community of affluent Germans and Nazis, who arguably ignore their sense of empathy, living next door to the most famous concentration camp of all time.
Starring Christian Friedel and Sandra Hüller (“Anatomy Of A Fall”), the stunning film is no less chilling; however, it is a stark reminder about compartmentalization, denial, obliviousness, and cruel human disregard.
Based on the novel by Martin Amis, the film centers on the commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, who strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.
Written and directed by Jonathan Glazer (“Birth,” “Sexy Beast”), the film’s cinematographer is Łukasz Żal, the director of photography of “Cold War” and “Ida.” The composer is Mica Levi, known for her haunting scores to Glazer’s “Under The Skin” and Pablo Larrain’s “Jackie.”
“This is a film you can dissect for hours,” our review wrote from Cannes. “It’s a movie full of details and creative choices that will spur debate and passion. Another work of Glazer is full of images that may haunt you for weeks. And well worth almost the decade it took to get here.”
“The Zone Of Interest” made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, where it earned the Grand Prix runner-up prize to the Palme d’Or. The film was also screened at the 50th Telluride Film Festival, the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, and the 2023 New York Film Festival.
“The Zone Of Interest” opens December 15 in limited release via A24. You can watch the new trailer below, as well as check out the brand-new minimalist poster.
