The 2025 film has received a near perfect score by fans on Rotten Tomatoes. Written and directed by James Vanderbilt, the historical drama is based on Jack El-Hai’s acclaimed book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist which explores the Nuremberg Trials held by the Allies against the defeated Nazi regime. Nuremberg features a star-studded cast including Russell Crowe, Rami Malek and Leo Woodall. The film hit US cinemas on November 7 and arrives in the UK today (November 14).
The plot is based on true events and is considered an American psychological thriller. US Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (played by Rami Malek) seeks to carry out an assignment to investigate the personalities and monitor the mental status of Hermann Göring (played by Russell Crowe) and other high-ranking Nazis in preparation for and during the Nuremberg trials.
The synopsis continues: “The movie centers around American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Malek), who is tasked with determining whether Nazi prisoners are fit to stand trial for their war crimes and finds himself in a complex battle of wits with Hermann Göring (Crowe), Hitler’s right-hand man.”
The Nuremberg Trials were a series of military tribunals held in Nuremberg, Germany after World War II, in a bid to prosecute prominent Nazi leaders. The first and most famous trial, held from 1945-1946, charged 22 former Nazi leaders with crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. At the end of the trial, 12 defendants were sentenced to death, others received prison sentences or were acquitted.
While critics have given the film a score of 69 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, reviewers have praised the performances of Russell and Rami, branding the movie a five star “masterpiece”.
One commented: “As with any historical drama, there will be artistic license taken. However… this is well produced and very faithful to the actual trials(s). Oscar-worthy performance from Rami.”
Another echoed: “The cast was amazing. Russell Crowe nailed the part of Herman Goring. Everyone needs to see this movie.”
“Very historical and intense. A very good story. Opens up ones eyes as to everything that is going on in the world today. History definitely repeats itself,” a third gushed.
A fourth declared: “This is a spell-binding movie! It’s one of the very few that I can honestly say, ‘I’ve got to see this movie again and soon.'”
