THE ZONE OF INTEREST

I avoid films about The Holocaust - I find them too upsetting and anyway what more is there to say?

But this film is directed by Jonathan Glazer whose previous film 'Under The Skin' was one of the most unsettling and disturbing films I have ever seen, so I was intrigued to see how he would follow it up.

Normally I don't read reviews in advance, so as to be able to see a film free of preconceptions. Unfortunately in this case I knew enough going into the film so that the moment early on when we discover the truth about the affluent, seemingly nice family we are observing, and what is going on next door to their villa, didn't have the shock value it might have had. 

Even so, it's a jaw dropping moment as we come to understand what the head of the household's role in Nazi Germany is, and what those ceaseless and sinister sounds in the background might signify. 

Given that there is no story arc or even plot to speak of, the film relies on our horror at the banality of evil to carry us along.  That it succeeds totally in so doing is down to the expert direction and the fine performances.  And Glazer adds just enough in the way of surreal moments to always keep us on edge and off balance.

This is one of those films that is essential viewing and stays with one, for better or for worse.

RATING: ✓✓ Catch It If You Can