A Chilling Portrayal: 'Son of Saul' Review 'NYT'

In 'Son of Saul,' Hungarian director Laszlo Nemes crafts a harrowing yet hauntingly beautiful cinematic experience set against the backdrop of World War II's most notorious concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau. This powerful Holocaust drama follows one man's desperate struggle for humanity amidst unfathomable horror.

The film centers around Saul Ausländer (played with raw intensity by Géza Röszpá) a Jewish Hungarian sonderkommando, forced to assist in the mass murder of fellow prisoners at Auschwitz-Birkena. As he navigates this hellish environment, Saul becomes fixated on saving one young boy from certain death.

Shot almost entirely through close-ups and medium shots with minimal use of establishing shots or long takes, Nemes masterfully immerses viewers into Saul's claustrophobic world. The resulting visual style evokes the suffocating feeling of being trapped alongside our protagonist as he struggles to hold onto his sanity in a place where hope seems an unattainable luxury.

The supporting cast delivers equally impressive performances that further underscore the film's emotional impact without ever veering into sentimentality or forced pathos. The cinematography by Dóra Mészáros is equally outstanding, capturing the stark monochromatic tones of Auschwitz-Birkena in a way that feels both hauntingly beautiful and heart-wrenching at once.

'Son of Saul,' with its powerful performances, striking visuals, and unflinching portrayal of one man's desperate struggle for humanity amidst unspeakable evil makes an indelible mark on the viewer long after credits roll. It is a must-see film that will leave audiences shaken yet profoundly moved by the sheer force of its narrative.

Rating: 5/5 stars

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