'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' Review: Anna Próchniak and Jonah Hauer-King's emotional chemistry adds soul to history's darkest days
OSWIECIM, POLAND: 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' is streaming on Peacock from May 2, 2024, and it is based in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp during World War 2. Directed by Tali Shalom-Ezer, the series follows the life of young Lali Sokolov (Jonah Hauer-King) and his love with fellow prisoner Gita Furman (Anna Próchniak).
Lali Sokolov is a tattoo artist who is given the task of tattooing the ID numbers on prisoner's arms by his Nazi handler Stefan Baretzki (Jonas Nay). The series plays out in two timelines.
The present-day Lali (Harvey Keitel) tells the story of his time spent in the concentration camp and how it has affected his life even after six decades. He opens up to Heather Morris (Melanie Lynskey), a character based on the Novelist who wrote the book 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz'.
The series recreates the horrors of the concentration camp and is at times difficult to watch because of its harrowing and realistic portrayal of the sufferings of that era. Here's our complete review of the series 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz'.
Brilliant direction and realistic visuals stand out in 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz'
Tali Shalom-Ezer and the team have committed to the truth by creating a distressed environment around the concentration camp. The lack of colors and use of close-ups take the viewers into the world of the concentration camp.
The ominous setting makes the likelihood of love to prosper even more difficult and adds a significant obstacle for Lali and Gita. The fact that they overcome the most difficult obstacles and somehow manage to keep the love alive makes the end of the series even more satisfying.
The series is about the human spirit and its resilience even in the most daunting of moments and the character arcs go from despair to hope in their journey.
Jonah Hauer-King and Anna Próchniak's emotional chemistry elevates the series
Jonah Hauer-King and Anna Próchniak are the backbone of this show. From the moment they share their first gaze to their entire journey in the camp, they immerse themselves in the characters of Lali and Gita.
Harvey Keitel, Melanie Lynskey, and Jonas Nay are perfect for their parts and perform them very well. Jonas Nay's final act and dialogue as Stefan will win the audience over despite him being a negative character.
Hans Zimmer and Kara Talve's music is impactful
Hans Zimmer is at his absolute best and his music is the highlight of this series. Hans' music enhances every scene significantly. From his melancholic symphonies to the ominous background score, Hans is on top of the game here.
The music score and the series will stay with its viewers for a long time. The haunting melody of 'Love Will Survive' reverberates and encapsulates the spirit of the series.
'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' is an impactful series that might have some disturbing scenes but it is a series that lingers on deep into your memory long after you have seen it.
'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' trailer
'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' is streaming on Peacock from May 2, 2024