How does one dissect evil? Can sane men commit horrific acts? These are some of the questions army psychiatrist Dr. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek, The Amateur) is seeking to answer in the historical war film Nuremberg.
At the end of World War II, the Allies chose to hold the first international war crimes tribunal, putting 24 of the captured highest-ranking officers of the Third Reich on trial. The U.S. Army brings Kelley to Nuremberg, where the trial is to be held and the prisoners are being kept, to determine if they are sane enough to stand trial.
Kelley spends hours talking to the Nazi prisoners, but the one he is fascinated with the most is Hitler’s right-hand man, Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe, The Exorcism). “He’s highly intelligent, charming, and a narcissist,” warns Kelley his superiors and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Robert H. Jackson (Michael Shannon, Death by Lightning), the prosecutor representing the United States in the trial.
As Kelley sits in Göring’s cell speaking with and studying the war criminal, he finds himself fascinated with this killer. Worse, he begins to develop an unhealthy and disturbing bond with Göring. Kelley also starts to realize almost too late that Justice Jackson isn’t ready to go up against Göring in the courtroom. It’s possible that justice will fail and Göring, the man behind the “Final Solution to the Jewish Question” and the murders of six million Jewish people, will not be held responsible.
Written and directed by James Vanderbilt (Truth), Nuremberg is a historical war drama that immerses viewers in the aftermath of World War II Europe. While the cinematography is excellent, the film falters due to a lackluster script and uneven pacing.
Rami Malek delivers a strong performance as Dr. Douglas Kelley, the psychiatrist who becomes obsessed with Göring and with trying to define and understand evil. Malek portrays Kelley’s initial belief that the interviews with Göring and the other Nazi war criminals are his ticket to writing a bestselling novel and potential fame. As events unfold, Kelley loses his way and begins to develop a genuine bond and respect for Göring.
Russell Crowe delivers a scenery-chewing performance as Hermann Göring. Crowe perfectly captures the man’s arrogance, charm, and cavalier attitude about the situation he’s in and about his upcoming trial. Crowe steals every scene, even the ones with Malek. Michael Shannon delivers an effective performance as Robert H. Jackson, the associate justice who is in way over his head but is determined to show the world what these Nazi war criminals did and to hold them accountable.
The film’s production design, costumes, and overall look are excellent, bringing to the big screen the battered and mostly destroyed parts of war-torn Europe. The uniforms, suits, and vehicles all ring true to 1946.
The strongest moments are the courtroom scenes, which don’t take place until well into the third act of the film. The conversations between Kelley and Göring are the true focal point but lack the intensity and psychological depth needed to truly engage the audience. Nuremberg is a commendable film, highlighted by the powerful performances of Crowe and Malek, but ultimately it does not fully become the courtroom epic it aims to deliver.
GRADE: B-
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
Release Date: November 7, 2025
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
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