A24’s The Zone of Interest received an Oscar nomination and is breaking new ground in multiple aspects. This includes the unsettling opening title card that seems to linger for an extended period before the story begins.
Adapted from Martin Amis’s renowned novel, director Jonathan Glazer‘s innovative film has been generating attention and excitement during this awards season.
If you’ve been searching for similar movies like The Zone of Interest, we’ve got you covered.
7 Movies Like ‘The Zone of Interest’
Under The Skin
Throughout her career, Scarlett Johansson, who has been nominated for an Oscar, has portrayed a diverse range of characters. However, one of her most distinct roles was in Glazer’s previous film, Under the Skin.
In this scenario, the protagonist takes on the role of an alien posing as an attractive woman, traveling through Scotland in a van to entice and deceive unsuspecting men. Once they are in her vehicle, she seduces and ultimately devours them, presumably for her sustenance.
Glazer’s latest film, The Zone of Interest, was shot with a focus on hidden cameras and experimental elements, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled filmmaker. We are eagerly anticipating his next project.
Schindler’s List
Many believe that Schindler’s List is Steven Spielberg‘s best movie yet. Despite being made in the 1990s, the film uses a black-and-white color scheme to create a captivating and poignant experience.
The plot centers on Oskar Schindler (played by Liam Neeson), a businessman who arrives in Krakow during World War II and becomes a member of the Nazi party.
He employs Jewish workers in his factory, but when the notorious Amon Goeth (played by Ralph Fiennes) takes control, Schindler must fight to keep his employees safe, including his trusted colleague Itzhak Stern (played by Sir Ben Kingsley).
Similar to Glazer in The Zone of Interest, Spielberg frequently opts to exclude any form of musical accompaniment when portraying particularly gruesome Nazi actions.
A Hidden Life
Academy Award nominee Terrence Malick’s narrative-driven content with A Hidden Life tells the remarkable tale of Franz Jägerstätter, a courageous Austrian farmer who defied the Nazis during World War II by refusing to join their ranks.
Despite the potential consequences of death for his actions, the film’s three-hour duration effectively captures Franz’s steadfast determination amid turmoil.
Both Malick and Glazer provide powerful and contemplative commentary on the Nazi regime in their respective films, A Hidden Life and The Zone of Interest. Despite the harsh realities of Nazi-occupied Europe, both movies find strength in their subdued and peaceful scenes.
Come and See
Come and See is a World War II film that centers on the European perspective of the war. It has garnered a reputation for being one of the most terrifying and emotionally overwhelming war movies ever made.
Taking place in Belarus, the story follows a young boy’s desire to join a resistance group against the invading Nazi army. However, the reality of war proves to be far more brutal than he could have imagined.
Come and See depicts more disturbing scenes than The Zone of Interest, but a lot of the terror takes place off-screen (both films use chilling sound effects), or the audience is presented with the aftermath of violent acts.
Mudbound
Dee Rees, a highly praised director, directed a groundbreaking film called Mudbound. The majority of the crew working on the film were women. The story is set during the aftermath of WWII in the southern United States, where racism was still prevalent.
The film follows the struggles of two families, the Jacksons (Black) and the McAllans (white), who are forced to live on the same land and face hardship as they try to make a living. With a talented cast, including Carey Mulligan and Jason Mitchell, this Netflix film is a must-see.
The atmosphere of Mudbound is reminiscent of The Zone of Interest, as both stories follow two families striving to maintain a harmonious existence during a turbulent and prejudiced era.
The Boy In Striped Pajamas
The movie released in 2008 follows the story of 8-year-old Bruno who forms a close bond with a Jewish boy named Shmuel. However, their friendship is tested when Bruno’s family decides to relocate to a different area.
Despite facing criticism from experts for its lack of historical accuracy, the film’s emotional depth during a terrible setting remains undeniable.
The themes of fatherhood and WWII concentration camps are central in both The Zone of Interest and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. The portrayal of children allied with the Nazis in these films can have a profound effect on viewers, particularly those who are parents themselves.
The Pianist
The Pianist was awarded several Oscars which was a well-deserved accomplishment. This groundbreaking movie was based on the real-life story of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish Jewish pianist (portrayed by Adrien Brody), who witnesses the transformation of Warsaw during the onset of World War II and the Nazi occupation.
Follow his heartbreaking quest for survival, filled with brutal and disturbing scenes, as he endures the loss of his entire family.
If you enjoy the raw and intense portrayal of World War II in The Zone of Interest, you will undoubtedly appreciate the innovative approach to filmmaking in Roman Polanski’s 2002 masterpiece. Both movies do not shy away from showcasing the harsh reality of the Nazis and their collaborators, including the civilians in The Zone of Interest.
