The Zone of Interest

What’s it about?

A haunting retelling of WWII set from the perspective of the German Nazi commandant Rudolf Höss, and his family. As an examination of human complicity, the film focuses on the idyllic life of the family in a large, beautiful home with the concentration camp, Auschwitz as its backdrop. Despite the atrocities happening over the fence the family love their life and do not want to leave.

The facts

• Directed by Jonathan Glazer (Under the Skin, Birth)
• German, Polish, and Yiddish languages
• Runtime: 104 minutes
• Loosely based on the 2014 novel by Martin Amis
• Winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes 2023

Why did it get this rating?

This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Horror and violence

The horrific violence and mass genocide is not shown but viewers can hear screaming, shouting and gunshots frequently throughout the film. Incinerators are seen burning.

The commandant often is in discussion about the camp, including ways to increase the number of gassing its prisoners.

Human bones are found in a river where children are swimming, and a child is seen playing with human teeth.

Offensive language

While offensive language is limited, characters often talk about Jewish people in dehumanising ways. There are many antisemitic slurs and conversations.

Real-life footage

There is real-life footage of the Auschwitz, showing real gas chambers and items of real-life victims.

Sexual violence

It’s implied that a character forces a prisoner to have sex with them, but nothing is shown. In a following scene the character cleans his penis which is shown through the action of undoing and pulling down his pants. His back is to the camera, and we don’t see any detail.

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• The Zone of Interest: Everything to Know About the Holocaust Drama with 5 Oscar Nominations - People