History teaches us many lessons if we choose to listen. Each era and age comes with a different warning for those that come next. Time has given us no greater warning than the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, the National Socialist German Workers Party, or as their most famously known: the Nazis. Taking place in the waning months of World War II, ‘Odessa’ upends our preconceived notions about ourselves and those that we put our faith and trust in. It’s more than a lesson, it’s a warning. An increasingly important one as each new autocrat or charismatic voice crawls out of the darkness to exploit humanity. ‘Odessa’ is a poignant, moving, and introspective film that will leave audiences shaken in a way they haven’t been before. It should be REQUIRED viewing.
SPOILER WARNING
Josef and Irene have found themselves on the run in the last months of the Second World War with their young son. Moving across the European wilderness and finding refuge where they can, there is clearly more to Josef and Irene than can clearly be seen, given people’s reaction to them. Josef appears the loving and devoted father and husband, but who is he really? What monster lurks beneath the surface?
Historical Perspective
‘Odessa’ begins with a quote. One many will not be familiar with that gives the impression from the start that the focal point of the film will be someone who helps or has helped children. The film then connects the dots from point A to point B. Following Josef and Irene while providing hints to their true identity, ‘Odessa’ slowly lets the audience’s doubts creep in as they learn more and more about the family. Finally ending with the rest of the quote, the audience is let in on the secret. Josef is the infamous Angel of Death, Josef Mengele, Doctor of Auschwitz.
The revelation will leave audiences speechless. The family was innocuous enough. The quote led the audience to believe that Josef was a family man protecting his family, but when the layers were peeled back, there was more to the story. There in lies the entire point and lesson of ‘Odessa.’ Appearances are not always as they seem and a wolf in sheep’s clothing is still a wolf. Misplaced empathy, no matter how geniune, can lead to putting your faith in the wrong people especially when those people seek to usurp power.
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The messaging and effect of ‘Odessa’ make it truly special and important. Admittedly, the effect was lost on me. My Master’s Degree is in European History with a focus on the rise of Nazism, Nationalism, and the Holocaust. I knew that quote immediately. For those without that background, however, they are in for a world altering experience. Director Harald Swinkels truly makes the audience think about their choices, their peers, and their allegiance. It is not difficult to connect the dots from this film to what we are seeing in our own world right now.
A Gargantuanly Horrific Task
Portraying one of histories greatest monsters is no small task. Mengele was a monster who experinmented on children viciously. Forced injections, mutilations, and murders, there was no limit to the depravity of Mengele. Bastian Beyer was given a horrifically gargantuan task in, not only making the audience like Josef, but hate him by the end. All of this in a matter of 20 minutes. Beyer nails his portrayal. Through research and literature, Beyer was able to capture the perceiving humanity and inhumanity of Mengele.
Though there is less known about Irene, she is forever tied to her monster of a husband. Magdalena Müller stepped into her shoes and into history. Müller had to approach this role delicately and with purpose in an effort to not dilute the effect of the film. She played her role brilliantly, finding a middleground between monstrosity and humanity.
Final Thoughts
‘Odessa’ is a thought-provoking and dark look at where we place our faith in others. It’s message, while timeless, is massively important in today’s world with it’s growing cult of personalities. The film is poignant, mind altering, and damning. ‘Odessa’ is absolutely essential viewing.
