[yasr_overall_rating]
Based on the extraordinary true story of Operation Anthropoid, the WWII mission to assassinate SS General Reinhard Heydrich, the main architect behind the Final Solution and the Reich’s third in command after Hitler and Himmler.
“Anthropoid” is the nickname given to Nazi General Reinhard Heydrich, who took over in Czechoslovakia after Western Europe’s appeasement of that regime in 1938. Heydrich designed the infamous “Final Solution” and led a brutal crackdown of its new territory leading up to the first battles of World War II. Sean Ellis’ film “Anthropoid” follows Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan as two paratroopers who lead an assassination attempt against the Nazi general.
The film opens as the two men land in the forest outside of Prague. Their journey immediately becomes fraught with danger, which aptly sets up the many obstacles they face as they work toward their goal. Jan Kubis (Dornan) and Josef Gabcik (Murphy) also bear the weight of what might happen to their fellow Czechs and Slovaks should their mission be successful. This weight is born in every facial expression and word these talented actors convey. Murphy stands out a soldier who wants to put aside his feelings for the sake of his mission. Even he is forced to accept the real dangers of fallout his actions may cause. Dornan plays Kubis as less sure of himself. Though he believes strongly in the mission, he clings to his former life as a civilian by allowing himself the perils of attachment while the mission is taking place. The two actors give entirely natural performances buoyed by several powerful supporters.
Playing the leader of the resistance, Uncle Hajsky, Toby Jones again demonstrates his versatility as a performer. He is understated, cautious, yet noble and brave, serving to hold the resistance movement together as each person faces the dire consequences of their actions. Canadian actress Charlotte Le Bon plays Kubis’ winsome love interest in a way that reflects Dornan’s portrayal of Kubic. She is unsure at first, becoming more secure in her place as the film goes on. Czech actress Anna Geislerova is no stranger to European film goers, having established herself as a force in Czech cinema for over 3 decades. Her portrayal of Gabcik’s lover, Lenka Fafkova, leaves the audience breathless at times. She’s a confident thespian with more than enough chops to match Murphy line for line.
Sean Ellis directs his screenplay, written with Anthony Frewin. He allows the action to develop at an organic pace that drags at times leading up to the climax. As these events are a part of history, the outcome is no surprise. However, Ellis provides plenty of characterization and circumstances to keep audiences guessing. His direction is the most sure-handed I’ve seen this year. If you’ve noticed words like “natural” and organic throughout this review, it’s because watching “Anthropoid” feels much like peeking in on history as it unfolds. The camera seems more an observer than a storyteller. It’s a real testament to the kinds of passionate performances Ellis pulls from his actors. We feel intensely for each of these characters, as much for the truth in their story as for the history it represents.
The costuming and set direction are immersive, as would be expected. The detailed elements bring the audience into a pre-WW2 Europe facing the beginnings of Holocaust. This overall atmosphere of dread pervades the film itself and can be oppressive at times. It’s an understandable choice where the overt trauma of “Schindler’s List” is replaced by a pall that weighs over the audience with little respite provided. While Spielberg and other directors provide moments of levity in the midst of the horror (remember Adrien Brody saying “I was cold” and eliciting a few laughs near the end of “The Pianist”), Ellis never lets up. He keeps the pressure on the audience through the last frame.
Because it is such a heavy film, it becomes a bit of an endurance test for audience members, despite its reasonable 120 minute length. Anyone willing to endure its themes (if you’ve seen any WW2 film these days, you know exactly what these themes are) will likely take some satisfaction from its true-to-life performances and action.
In theaters Friday, August 12th
