Mickel Clark
The film The Zone of Interest, adapted from Martin Amis’s novel, centers around Rudolf Höss (played by Christian Friedel), who was the leader of the Auschwitz concentration camp during the Second World War. The story also includes his family – his wife Hedwig (portrayed by Sandra Hüller) and their children. It portrays their life in a residence situated right next to the camp.
The film was initially released in December 2023 and has been expanding its release territories since then. What makes The Zone of Interest the best movie of 2023 is its breathtaking story and engaging character development. You will forget what is going around and get hooked on the story, which is the reason we titled it the best.
The Zone of Interest trailer
The Zone of Interest release date
The Zone of Interest was first released at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2023, and won the Grand Prix and FIPRESCI Prize. It was later released in theaters in the United States on December 15, 2023, and will be released in the UK on February 2, 2024.
The Zone of Interest has been named the best film by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and was nominated for several awards, including Best International Feature Film at the Oscars and Best Motion Picture – Drama at the Golden Globe Awards.
The film has a positive rating of 8/10 on IMDb and has collected $1.1 million in revenue.
Where to watch The Zone of Interest?
The film is only available in theaters in the USA and will hit British screens in February 2024. We will update this page if the film is released on any OTT streaming platform.
More about the movie
The Zone of Interest primarily focuses not on the concentration camp itself, but rather on the lives of the characters who dream of an ideal existence, complete with a lovely home, a beautiful garden, servants, and respect from their peers.
The characters do not dwell on the reasons or the means by which they achieve this lifestyle. However, the film consistently reminds the audience of the grim reality beyond their idyllic life. Their garden is enclosed by a wall, with the camp and its oppressive buildings looming just beyond, often visible in the background. When the camp’s structures, including the smokestacks, are not in sight, the unsettling sounds of gunshots and screams penetrate the scenes of the family enjoying their garden, oblivious to the horrors nearby.
While numerous films have explored the Holocaust, often highlighting moments of humanity amidst tragedy like Schindler’s List or directly confronting its horrors Son of Saul, The Zone of Interest offers a different perspective. It serves as a reminder that some people choose to ignore atrocities when they are not personally affected or, even worse, when they stand to benefit from them. The movie underscores the collective responsibility to remain vigilant against becoming desensitized or deliberately ignorant in the face of injustice.
This is what makes it a significant watching experience. It may not be comfortable, but in line with the themes of other 2023 films, it emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our shortcomings to ensure that we do not repeat them.
Who is the director of the movie?
Jonathan Glazer directs the Zone of Interest. He is a renowned British film director and screenwriter best known for Sexy Beast, Birth, and Under the Skin. Out of the three, Sexy Beast is his best film and was nominated for 1 Academy Award in 2001.
Glazer’s first full-length film since the 2013 sci-fi Under the Skin demonstrates he hasn’t missed a beat in directing prowess. His work in The Zone of Interest is outstanding, arguably unmatched in current cinema, solidifying his status as a top-tier director. Every decision in this film reflects his impeccable judgment.
'The Zone of Interest' took a decade of work. Its director will never be the same https://t.co/26t2lbm8qU
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) January 11, 2024
While the film is unmistakably Glazer’s vision from start to finish, performances by Friedel and Hüller occasionally distract from the disturbing reality that their characters are heinous Nazis benefiting from the Holocaust. Yet, just as this realization starts to fade, Glazer masterfully realigns the narrative, ensuring the film maintains its critical perspective right up to its compelling conclusion.
The cast of The Zone of Interest
Here is the list of popular cast members you will see in the film.
- Christian Friedel (as Rudolf Höss) – Known for his performance in the film The White Ribbon and his role in the TV series Dark.
- Sandra Hüller (as Hedwig Höss) – Recognized for her acclaimed role in Toni Erdmann and her appearance in the film In the Aisles.
- Ralph Herforth (as Oswald Pohl) – Has appeared in various German productions, including the movie Speed Racer and the TV show Alarm für Cobra 11 – Die Autobahnpolizei.
- Johann Karthaus (as Claus Höss)
- Luis Noah Witte (as Hans Höss)
- Nele Ahrensmeier (as Inge-Brigitt Höss)
- Lilli Falk (as Heideraud Höss)
- Medusa Knopf (as Elfryda)
Wrap Up
The Isreal-Palestine conflict has shown us the true picture of what a holocaust really is and what it is like to live in a holocaust world. Glazer’s film shows the time when the Jews were on different sides and were victims of the holocaust.
The movie is a must-watch the film and requires a strong heart to watch the barbarianism done by the Nazis.
