Oscar Movie with Abe: In Darkness (Capsule Review)

In Darkness
Directed by Agnieszka Holland
Released February 10, 2012



This Oscar-nominated foreign film from Poland tells the story of Jews that were hidden in the sewers in Poland by a Polish gentile. Like many films about Nazism and the Holocaust, its imagery and themes are deeply disturbing, and that’s certainly true here. One element of the film highlighted by writer David F. Shamoon is the fact that all its characters, Jew and non-Jew alike, are deliberately imperfect. Based on a true story, every person is flawed in their own ways, rather than, as he asserts, painted as solely good because of the bravery of their acts or the nature of their situation. As a story, it’s an important tale to be told, and full of strong, powerful, and upsetting moments. As a film, however, it’s not as exceptional as a movie like “The Counterfeiters,” lacking in terms of storytelling technique, and leaving viewers with more questions and curiosity than should be present at the end of a 145-minute film. It’s still worthwhile that it been seen and digested, with good performances and a noble message, a new showcase of unexpected friendships and relationships in the midst of unimaginable circumstances.

B