Warner Bros. has set a release date for its documentary about the real-life Höss family in Jonathan Glazer‘s World War II drama The Zone of Interest. Glazer’s film draws from Martin Amis‘ 2014 novel of the same name. The documentary, titled The Commandant’s Shadow, is said to debut in theaters on May 29, 2024. Tickets can officially be purchased on Fathom Events’ website.
The Commandant’s Shadow is directed by Daniela Völker. It’ll explore the life of Hans Jürgen Höss, the 87-year-old son of Rudolf Höss, as he deals with the consequences of his deceased father’s vile legacy. Rudolf was the Camp Commandant of Auschwitz and was involved in the murder of approximately a million Jews. Additionally, the film will highlight the lives of individuals who lived on-site at Höss’ death camp.
“While Hans Jurgen Höss enjoyed a happy childhood in the family villa at Auschwitz, Jewish prisoner Anita Lasker-Wallfisch was trying to survive the notorious concentration camp,” the logline via ComingSoon states.
“At the heart of this film is the historic and inspiring moment – eight decades later – when the two come face-to-face. This is the first time the descendant of a major war criminal meets a survivor in such a private and intimate setting, Anita’s London living room. The four protagonists explore their very different hereditary burdens with their children, Kai Höss and Maya Lasker-Wallfisch.”
The Zone of Interest had an entry in the Palme d’Or competition at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and received a 93% rating from Rotten Tomatoes following its release. The film was also nominated for Best Picture at the 96th Academy Awards and won a prestigious prize for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound.
