The newly released film *Nuremberg* provides a deep exploration of the historic war trials that followed World War II, presenting a compelling narrative interwoven with the lives of key figures from that period. Celebrated actors such as Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, and Leo Woodall feature prominently in the drama, which reflects on some of history’s most pivotal moments.
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In this portrayal, Russell Crowe takes on the role of Hermann Göring, who served as Adolf Hitler’s second-in-command during the Nazi regime. Following the fall of Nazi Germany to Allied forces, Göring finds himself captured by American soldiers and subsequently stands trial alongside other prominent Nazi leaders in an international military tribunal. The courtroom drama is presided over by Justice Robert H. Jackson, a significant figure in the prosecution who is portrayed by Michael Shannon.
The storyline is significantly informed by Jack El-Hai’s 2013 book *The Nazi and the Psychiatrist*, which explores the intricate dynamics between Göring and Dr. Douglas Kelley, played by Rami Malek. Kelley, an American psychiatrist, is tasked with assessing whether the defendants are competent to face charges of war crimes. As the trial progresses, he becomes embroiled in a psychological duel with Göring, which raises questions about morality and accountability.
Set against the backdrop of the Nuremberg trials that commenced in November 1945, *Nuremberg* seeks to offer insight not only into the proceedings but also into the lives of those who participated. The film’s release in theatres in November 2025 has already garnered critical acclaim, sparking discussions about its reflection on contemporary issues of hatred and extremism.
The film culminates in a powerful courtroom scene where Göring is confronted about his allegiance to Hitler despite the horrors of the Holocaust. Ultimately, the tribunal condemns him to death by hanging. However, in a twist of fate, Göring avoids execution by taking cyanide in his prison cell just hours before his scheduled execution. The film concludes with Kelley learning of Göring’s suicide, prompting a poignant reflection on the nature of evil and escape from justice.
Following the conclusion of the trials, the epilogue provides an overview of the fates of the key figures depicted. Göring’s suicide mimics the tragic end shared by Kelley, who also succumbed to despair, taking cyanide in 1958 after years of battling depression. Kelley’s connection to Göring’s fate is significant, as he had brought back the same type of cyanide capsules discovered on Göring, adding a chilling layer to the narrative.
Howard “Howie” Triest, played by Leo Woodall, emerges as another crucial character in the film. A Jewish man who witnessed the devastation of the Holocaust firsthand, Triest served as a translator during the Nuremberg trials. The film portrays his complex emotions as he interacts with the very individuals responsible for his parents’ deaths. His reflections underscore the troubling normalcy of the defendants and their complete lack of remorse, challenging the trial’s effectiveness in revealing moral accountability.
Robert H. Jackson, an integral part of the trials, continued his service on the U.S. Supreme Court following the historic events. Appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941, Jackson dedicated himself to the pursuit of justice and accountability until his death from a heart attack in 1954.
As *Nuremberg* continues to resonate with audiences, its underlying messages about the persistence of hate and the capacity for evil remain alarmingly relevant in today’s context. According to filmmaker James Vanderbilt, Kelley’s final warnings about the ease with which society can overlook signs of rising hatred offer a stark reminder that the lessons of the past are not just historical artefacts but are indeed a call to vigilance in the present.
In an era marked by divisive rhetoric and intolerance, *Nuremberg* serves as both a historical recounting and a cautionary tale, prompting viewers to reflect on the nature of justice and the importance of recognising the signs of extremism in their own societies. As the film finds its way onto streaming platforms, it is likely to continue igniting discussions around its themes and the legacy of the Nuremberg trials.