Photo via angel.com
By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
Thanks to Angel Studios, audiences are treated to a stirring true story that is as mesmerizing as it is gut wrenching. “Truth & Treason” is based on a German teenager who had the courage to stand against Hitler during WWII. Even though the film industry is saturated with WWII stories, this one stands out as an absolute must-see with inspiring messaging. It has the spirit of “Braveheart,” except in this case, the pen is mightier than the sword.
It is 1941 in Hamburg, Germany and World War II is in full swing. With all outside media and books prohibited, the Nazi regime inundates its population with constant propaganda meant to brainwash and control. A teenage boy named Helmuth Hübener (Ewan Horrocks) begins to question the information they’re being fed when he comes across a shortwave radio broadcasting news from the BBC, telling of a very different story about his country’s government and leader.
As the lies are exposed and the subtle stripping of freedom become clear, Helmuth is propelled to take action to expose the lies and encourage rebellion with the only way he knows how, with his words. Writing countless leaflets that reveal the truth of their tyrannical leader, he spreads them across the city, gaining the unfavorable attention of the local Gestapo led by Erwin Mussener (Rupert Evans). As they close in on the treasonous dissident, Helmuth must somehow find even greater courage to face the consequences of his actions.
Typically, a historical biography set in Germany using English actors speaking English and with an English accent is a significant pet peeve that would cost a rating deduction, but this is not a typical movie. When a story such as this is so well conveyed, it helps viewers overlook these annoyances. Directed and co-written by Matt Whitaker, “Truth & Treason” has been a passion project of his for many years now. He created a riveting documentary called “Truth & Conviction” in 2002 that first laid this true story bare. It is a powerful story that has stayed with him all these years later, paving the way for this film to be made to reach a wider audience. Whitaker channels that passion and commitment to authentically retell this story in a linear fashion that allows the audience to better connect with and understand the characters.
The director does not hesitate to convey the moral complexities of that German period, even showing religious community leader’s acquiescence to Nazi influence that capture the realism of the time. What makes this WWII story even more poignant is the eye-opening correlation between that time and our current society. With the advent of AI, deep fakes, a lack of journalistic integrity, and governments around the world still pumping propaganda into their population, it is more difficult than ever to discern the truth from what is being told. Who knew this young man’s courageous endeavor for the truth could be considered even more impactful today? Then again, history does have a way of repeating itself.
Whitaker employs a variety of filmmaking techniques to evoke the intended emotion of the different scenes. The planned cinematography approach invites the audience into the story, enabling a more active emotional response. This allows him to shift the film’s direction into a suspense thriller as the Gestapo closes in on the main character. He brilliantly uses the color palate to enhance key moments of the film that also promote tension. For instance, when the red leaflets are introduced against the drab background of industrial buildings and neutral costuming, they really stand out as something inflammatory, something forbidden.
The outstanding direction only makes it easier for the cast of largely unknown actors to play their roles. Young British actor Ewan Horrocks delivers an honest performance in the lead role, expressing his lines with emotional conviction and a youthful exuberance. The innocence and naivete he imbues his character with only enhances viewer empathy, leading to significant, tearjerking moments.
This is Angel’s best film since last year’s “Cabrini,” which should have walked away with multiple Oscars including Best Picture. Hopefully, “Truth & Treason” will not be similarly snubbed this year, because the director’s passion for this story oozes through the screen to infect the audience, leaving them breathless with tear-streaked faces. As one of the best films of the year, don’t miss the chance to see it in the theater. It is thought provoking, inspirational, suspenseful, tragic, and even a bit romantic.
This movie earns
