Jojo Rabbit
The brief
Waititi pulls off the seemingly impossible task of making Hitler Youth comedy that's both genuinely funny and emotionally devastating, anchored by Roman Griffin Davis's incredible kid performance that never feels precocious. The tonal shifts from absurdist satire to gut-punch drama work because Waititi treats his characters with real love, especially Scarlett Johansson as a mother trying to protect her son's innocence while the world burns around them. It's got the whimsical energy of Wes Anderson but with actual stakes and a beating heart underneath all the visual gags. Perfect for anyone who loved The Grand Budapest Hotel but wished it had more to say about fascism and growing up.
The verdict
If you appreciate dark comedy that can seamlessly blend absurdist humor with genuine emotional depth, this is a brilliant satire that tackles fascism through a child's eyes without sacrificing laughs or heart. If you're uncomfortable with Hitler as a comedic character or prefer your dramas and comedies to stay in clearly separate lanes, the wild tonal shifts will likely feel jarring and off-putting.
Watch with
- 👥 Perfect for thoughtful film discussions with friends
- ⚠️ Skip with young kids - heavy themes despite comedy
Heads up
- Nazi imagery and Holocaust themes throughout (frequent)
- Character death in wartime context (moderate)
- Child in dangerous situations (moderate)
- Brief strong language (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Taika Waititi
- Cast
- Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Taika Waititi
Official synopsis
A young German boy in the Hitler Youth whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008)
Both explore childhood innocence confronting Holocaust horrors through friendship across barriers.
Total runtime: 1h 48m + 1h 34m = 3h 22m
