Directed by László Nemes, “Son of Saul” is a visceral and haunting exploration of one man’s desperate quest for dignity amidst the horrors of Auschwitz. Set over a day and a half, the film follows Saul Ausländer, a Hungarian Jewish prisoner forced to work in the Sonderkommando, tasked with disposing of fellow prisoners’ bodies in the crematoriums.

Central to the narrative is Saul’s discovery of a young boy whom he believes to be his son. Determined to provide the child with a proper burial and resist the dehumanizing forces around him, Saul embarks on a perilous mission, risking everything in a place where survival itself is a daily struggle.

The film’s unique cinematography, characterized by tight close-ups and a narrow depth of field, plunges viewers into Saul’s harrowing perspective. This visual approach creates an intense immediacy, immersing the audience in the relentless brutality and moral complexities of the Holocaust.

Geza Rohrig delivers a gripping performance as Saul, conveying both the character’s internal turmoil and his unwavering determination with profound authenticity. His portrayal anchors the film’s exploration of humanity’s resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering.

“Son of Saul” is not merely a historical drama but a poignant meditation on the resilience of the human spirit and the moral dilemmas posed by survival in the most dire circumstances. It stands as a stark reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust while highlighting the profound acts of defiance and humanity that emerged even in the darkest of times.