Review of Son of Saul (2015) by Khaled M — 31 Dec 2016

Son of Saul is a compelling, heartbreaking, devastating film about one man's experience in Auschwitz. This is a debut feature for Hungarian director Nemes and he has concocted a drama that will live long in the memory.

Saul is part of group who have the awful task of 'herding' new prisoners to the concentration camp. It gives them longer to live but it's heartbreaking work. When a boy 'survives' the chamber he is determined to salvage his body.

This film is unique in many ways but especially the way it is filmed. It's very claustrophobic as the camera follows up close the actions of Saul. You feel you are living in Saul's skin which only aids the emotional punch it delivers.

Performances are first class and even though there have been many films on the subject this is a deserving fresh take on the human tragedy.