Coming to select theaters on April 15, 2024 and April 16, 2024, is the period drama, Irena’s Vow.
Irena’s Vow stars Sophie Nélisse (“Yellowjackets,” 47 Meters Down: Uncaged), Dougray Scott (Mission: Impossible 2, “Batwoman”),
Andrzej Seweryn, and Maciek Nawrocki.
The film was written by Dan Gordon (Passanger 57, Wyatt Earp) and directed by Louise Archambault (AAtomic Saké, Familia).
Normally I write up my own movie synopsis, but I feel like the official one is better and more to the point (I tend to ramble or I worry I’ll give too much away).
Through the eyes of a strong-willed woman comes the remarkable true story of Irena Gut and the triumphs of the human spirit over devastating tragedy.
Nineteen year old Irena is promoted to housekeeper in the home of a highly respected Nazi officer when she finds out that the Jewish ghetto is about to be liquidated. Determined to help the Jewish workers, she decides to shelter them in the safest place she can think of-the basement of the German commandant’s house.
Over the next two years, Irena uses her wit, humor, and courage to hide her friends until the end of the German occupation, concealing them in the midst of countless Nazi parties, a blackmail scheme, and even the birth of a child. Her story is one of the most inspiring of our time.
I am very surprised that I have never heard of Irena Gut before. For such a remarkable young lady, you would think we would have learned about her in school along side someone like Anne Frank. Irena did save the lives of a dozen people.
I found her story interesting. I ended up doing a Google search to learn more about her. The real Irena Gut passed away in 2003 at the age of 85.
Sophie Nélisse did a wonderful job in the role of Irena. Her acting was superb. She brought the character to life and made it feel like she was really Irena. She was very convincing.
The other actors in this film also did an amazing job. The film was filled with solid actors.
I will say there was a scene in the film I wish I never saw. It involved a woman in the street and her baby. It was disturbing and unsettling to say the least. I truly wish I didn’t see it. I would have rather they eluded to the incident in question.
I loved how accurately the film reflected that time in history, from the outfits and hairstyles, to the vehicles and household furnishings. Everything helped to bring this film to life and make you feel like you were right there with the characters.
I know that a Nazi-period film like Schindler’s List won many awards – and rightfully so (it’s an epic film) – but this film was equally as impressive, in my opinion. To think it’s based on a true story simply blows my mind.
The only “negative” I can think of is that this film is two hours long. Not that I personally mind, but people like my husband “check out” of films longer than ninety-minutes. I keep thinking about the film and how they could have “cut corners,” but there are no scenes I can think of that could have been cut to lessen the length of the film.
If you are into historical films and/or dramas, this would be a great choice to go and see.
I am not sure when the film will be available on digital platforms, but I’ll update this post when I find out.
You can learn more about this film, as well as theaters and showtimes on the Fandom Events website (direct link HERE).
The film is released by Quiver Distribution. You can learn about this film on their official website HERE. You can also find Quiver Distribution on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram. Their links are found on the bottom of their website. Be sure to follow them for information about current and upcoming movie releases.
Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener link in order to review this film. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed ae my own and not influenced in any way.