Love Conquers in Auschwitz’s Dark Shadow

Read Time:3 Minute, 51 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
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Genre: Drama, War
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 6 x 54m episodes
Director(s): Tali Shalom-Ezer
Where To Watch: streaming on Peacock May 2, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Come with me on a journey through history, where THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ charts a course through the shadows and lights of human resilience. This series captures the full spectrum of emotions in the life of Lali Sokolov, a man whose scars from the past are as profound as his victories over them. Everything about this series will make you think and feel, making you question how so many people had the incredible strength to overcome and persevere.

We're introduced to a young Lali, played by Jonah Hauer-King, who arrives at Auschwitz and is immediately handed the grave responsibility of tattooing prisoners with a permanent reminder of what has become one of the most disheartening “memories” in world history. This role tests every fiber of his moral being. Amid this darkness, he encounters Gita, whose role is filled with strength and grace by Anna Próchniak. Their love story blossoms under the strict and menacing gaze of Nazi officer Stefan Baretzki, chillingly portrayed by Jonas Nay.

The series doesn’t just linger in the past; it also explores Lali’s later years. Harvey Keitel takes on the role, bringing a layered and poignant performance as he decides to open up about his torturous past to Heather Morris, a character given depth by Melanie Lynskey’s portrayal. This framing adds a reflective dimension to the series, making the audience ponder the enduring effects of Lali's traumatic experiences. The journey from the past to the present is a powerful way to show this trip through time and the scars left on a human soul.

Under Tali Shalom-Ezer's direction, THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ transcends traditional storytelling. Ezer crafts scenes with a keen eye for emotional detail, plunging into the depths of survival, love, and the burdens of memory, ensuring the audience doesn't just watch the events but feels them deeply. Every scene is beautiful, even those who are horrible to watch due to the inhuman acts on screen.

Hans Zimmer crafted the series' score, weaving a hauntingly beautiful landscape that elevates the narrative. Zimmer’s compositions are pivotal in enhancing the storytelling, leaving a lasting impact that echoes beyond the visuals. As if these visuals aren’t enough to take everything out of you, the score helps to amplify that importance.

The meticulous commitment to historical accuracy, from the costumes to the set designs, immerses viewers fully into the era. This dedication enriches the viewing experience, allowing audiences to step back and walk in the characters’ shoes. While watching the series, I had a moment that nearly broke me down; I’ve seen those striped outfits in so many variations over the years that they’ve become instantly recognizable. We must understand and learn from our past, but seeing that connection so vividly was hard to swallow.

THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ recounts the history and celebrates the indomitable human spirit. It confronts the harsh realities of the Holocaust while honoring the strength and resilience of those who lived through it. This series is a poignant reminder of the dual capacities for cruelty in some and the kindness within others. It stands as a tribute that ensures the stories of the past remain vibrant and instructive for future generations.

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[photo courtesy of PEACOCK, NBC UNIVERSAL]

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