Film Review: The Zone of Interest (2023) — A Real Horror Story
When you first lay eyes on “The Zone of Interest,” the visuals are undeniably stunning. The cinematography, framing, and color palette are exquisite, drawing you in with their beauty. Yet, beneath the surface lies a haunting and eerie atmosphere, juxtaposed against the backdrop of Auschwitz, the largest concentration camp.
The narrative unfolds around a Nazi officer and his family’s seemingly mundane existence. The wife tends to the home and children, while the husband goes about his work. They appear ordinary, much like us, but against the backdrop of unspeakable cruelty. The chimneys smoke as Jews are systematically burned alive, and trains bring in more victims. Particularly poignant are the nighttime scenes, with the vibrant orange smoke serving as a stark reminder of the atrocities continually happening nearby.
The proximity of the family’s home to Auschwitz is unsettling. While the camps and the prisoners are not directly visible, the dark atmosphere pervades, amplified by the unsettling sounds of gunshots and screaming. It’s meant to make viewers feel uneasy, mirroring the Höss family’s apathy towards the horrors around them. They’ve grown accustomed to the evil, blocking it out to enjoy their comfortable lives.
The film raises unsettling questions about complicity and apathy. Like the Höss family, we often compartmentalize and turn a blind eye to atrocities, either because we feel powerless to change them or because we benefit from them. Rudolf Höss, adamant about the flowers and cleanliness around his community, symbolizes the attempt to mask the evil of Auschwitz.
Despite the unease felt by outsiders, the family remains entrenched in their way of life. Rudolf refuses to acknowledge the cognitive dissonance, clinging to his work and love for family and country. In this pursuit of comfort and prosperity, we see reflections of ourselves, turning away from uncomfortable truths in favor of delusions.
As the narrative unfolds, Rudolf descends into darkness, glimpsing a future where Auschwitz becomes a museum. This is his legacy — a reminder of the cruelty he perpetuated. Yet, he never fully reckons with it, unwilling to disrupt his life and identity.
Remarkably, the film’s modern aesthetic makes the events feel immediate and relevant, emphasizing the timeless nature of its themes.
“The Zone of Interest” forces us to confront the shadows of humanity, challenging us to reckon with our own complicity and apathy. In a world where atrocities continue to unfold, it serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of turning a blind eye to evil.
