‘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

RELATED ARTICLES

HBO's 'Winning Time' is a soothing balm after Lakers' unsurprising playoff elimination

HBO Max 'Tokyo Vice': 5 things to know about crime drama starring Ansel Elgort
 
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).

Trailer



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The holidays are here—don’t miss the longest-running Christmas special ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’
7 hours ago
The Netflix action-thriller movie stars Charlize Theron as a woman who travels to the Australian wilderness as she grapples with grief
8 hours ago
Released in 1990, the hit movie was followed by a sequel, 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,' which hit theaters in 1992
11 hours ago
Sony has set 'Beyond the Spider-Verse' for 2027, perfectly timing Miles Morales' finale before Marvel's multiverse reset in 'Secret Wars'
21 hours ago
Five cozy, feel-good movies, from festive romances to heartwarming classics, that are perfect for curling up and soaking in the Christmas spirit
22 hours ago
The 'Peaky Blinders' movie has been directed by Tom Harper, credited with directing many episodes of the show
1 day ago
Avatar Studios is the force behind 'Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender' which will now call Paramount+ its home
1 day ago
Nolan's 'The Odyssey' gives a nod to Homer's 'Iliad' through flashbacks of Troy, subtly expanding the mythic world
1 day ago
The first teaser for 'Avengers: Doomsday' is currently playing in theatres before the screenings of 'Avatar: Fire & Ash'
2 days ago
Richard Linklater, 65, has received multiple awards in his career, including two BAFTAs and an Oscar
2 days ago