‘The Survivor’: 5 things you need to know about the new HBO film

The film is an examination of one man’s journey from unspeakable horrors to freedom, forgiveness and redemption
UPDATED APR 10, 2022
Ben Foster as Harry Haft in a still from 'The Survivor' (HBO)
Ben Foster as Harry Haft in a still from 'The Survivor' (HBO)

The HBO Original from Academy Award winner Barry Levinson is based on Alan Haft’s book, 'Harry Haft: Survivor of Auschwitz, Challenger of Rocky Marciano'. It tells the incredible true story of Haft, who after being sent to Auschwitz, endured the unimaginable atrocities of the camp, and was forced to perform in boxing spectacles against his fellow prisoners for the amusement of his captors. Unknown to his enemies, Haft’s will to survive is driven by his quest to reunite with the woman he loves.

Francesca Orsi (Executive Vice President of HBO Programming) previously said about the film. 'Barry's meticulous exploration of this true story of unimaginable choices, perseverance, and redemption coupled with Ben's transformative performance will captivate viewers and stay with them long after the credits roll." Levinson also recently executive produced Hulu’s award-winning miniseries, Dopesick. Here’s what we know about the film so far

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When will ‘The Survivor’ release?

Academy Award winner Barry Levinson’s latest film, The Survivor, starring Ben Foster, will premiere on April 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, in honor of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)—subsequently becoming available for streaming on HBO Max.

What is ‘The Survivor’ about?

The official synopsis of the film states that it is set in the post-Second World War and will star Ben Foster as Harry Haft, a boxer who fought fellow prisoners in the concentration camps to survive. Haunted by the memories and guilt, he attempts to use high-profile fights against boxing legends like Rocky Marciano as a way to find his first love again.

Who’s in the cast of ‘The Survivor’?

Ben Foster is the protagonist of Barry Levinson's "The Survivor," and joining him is an equally impressive supporting cast that includes Danny DeVito, John Leguizamo, Billy Magnussen, Vicky Krieps, and Peter Sarsgaard, among others.

Showrunners

The movie is directed by Barry Levinson and the script is by Justine Juel Gillmer.  The film is produced by New Mandate Films’ Matti Leshem, BRON Studios’ Aaron L. Gilbert, Baltimore Pictures’ Jason Sosnoff (HBO’s Paterno and The Wizard of Lies), Levinson (Donnie Brasco, Bugsy), and Scott Pardo (Hope & A Little Sugar).

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