‘The Zone of Interest’ 1 Minute Movie Review: Worthy of the Praise?

The Zone of Interest is thematically resonant, with significant things to say, but, for me, not quite satisfying in terms of an overall film experience – even taking into account the experimental nature.

Sexy Beast and Under the Skin filmmaker Jonathan Glazer tackles a holocaust film that situates us, narratively, with a Nazi-sided family living directly next to the Auschwitz concentration camp. No graphic violence, but it’s still a disturbing angle as we witness the shocking normality and banality of this family’s everyday.

With cameras placed around the house and much of the crew removed, Glazer once referred to the production as “Big Brother in the Nazi House” – and that’s a spot-on way to describe it. An interesting method, but it didn’t take me too long to tire of it. Waiting through established banality for significant creative flourishes and moments to ponder on.

I simply didn’t find there was enough here to paint this artistic canvas. Nevertheless, I respect the intent, there’s an attention-grabbing score by Mica Levi, and the last moment is impactful.