Nuremberg (2025): A Gripping Historical Drama That Redefines Justice and Human Nature

A groundbreaking historical drama has taken cinemas by storm: Nuremberg, starring Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, and Leo Woodall. Since its U.S. release on November 7, 2025, and upcoming UK premiere on November 14, the film has sparked intense conversation about war crimes, human nature, and moral responsibility. Written and directed by James Vanderbilt, the film draws inspiration from Jack El-Hai’s acclaimed book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, depicting the tense psychological and legal confrontations between American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley and Nazi leader Hermann Göring during the post-World War II Nuremberg Trials.

1. Historical Context: The Nuremberg Trials That Shaped the World

The Nuremberg Trials (1945–1946) marked a pivotal moment in global history. After Nazi Germany’s defeat, Allied powers prosecuted senior Nazi officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. For the first time, “crimes against humanity” were codified and systematically prosecuted, laying the foundation for modern international human rights law.

Rather than focusing solely on courtroom drama, Nuremberg delves deeply into the psychological struggle between humanity and evil, justice and morality. Through Vanderbilt’s lens, historical figures are not black-and-white icons but complex characters, compelling audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and accountability.

2. From Page to Screen: Adapting El-Hai’s Acclaimed Work

Jack El-Hai’s The Nazi and the Psychiatrist serves as the film’s primary source material. El-Hai explores the haunting dynamic between Douglas Kelley, an American psychiatrist tasked with evaluating Nazi prisoners, and Hermann Göring, Hitler’s second-in-command, captured after the war. Using original psychiatric records, personal notes, and official documents, El-Hai reconstructs Kelley’s efforts to understand the minds of the perpetrators.

The central question posed is whether the Holocaust and other atrocities were the product of mental illness or deliberate ambition and ideology. Kelley’s examinations raise profound ethical and philosophical questions: can extreme human evil ever be fully explained, or should it simply be condemned? The film embraces these dilemmas, turning a historical account into a thought-provoking psychological thriller.

3. Star-Studded Cast and Unforgettable Performances

A major draw of Nuremberg is its ensemble cast:

Russell Crowe embodies Hermann Göring with magnetic intensity, portraying a figure who is simultaneously charming and terrifying. Critics have praised Crowe for delivering one of his most compelling performances in years.

Rami Malek plays Douglas Kelley, the rational and determined psychiatrist who faces a moral and intellectual battle with Göring. Malek balances sensitivity and analytical precision, embodying the tension between scientific observation and ethical responsibility.

Leo Woodall portrays Howard Triest, Kelley’s Jewish interpreter, who provides a humanizing perspective of the Holocaust’s horrors. Triest’s role emphasizes the deeply personal consequences of history, adding emotional weight to the narrative.

Supporting performances include Michael Shannon as Chief Prosecutor Robert H. Jackson, John Slattery, Richard E. Grant, and Colin Hanks, creating a cohesive ensemble that brings historical events vividly to life.

4. Script and Direction: Vanderbilt’s Masterful Storytelling

James Vanderbilt, known for Zodiac and White House Down, crafts a narrative that merges historical accuracy with psychological suspense. Rather than relying on grandiose spectacle, Vanderbilt uses intimate, tension-filled scenes to immerse viewers in the mental duels between Kelley and Göring.

Cinematography enhances the psychological intensity: dimly lit interrogation rooms, claustrophobic framing, and carefully choreographed close-ups draw audiences into the moral and mental struggle at the heart of the story. Vanderbilt also intersperses archival footage of concentration camps and Holocaust atrocities, reminding viewers of the real-world stakes and gravity of the events depicted.

5. Themes and Messages: Evil as a Human Construct

Nuremberg excels in exploring the nature of evil. Kelley’s psychiatric evaluations challenge the notion that Nazi leaders were mentally deranged; instead, they were calculating, intelligent individuals capable of manipulating others to achieve their ambitions. This perspective forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths: evil is not always monstrous in appearance—it can be deliberate, strategic, and terrifyingly human.

The film emphasizes moral responsibility and accountability. Viewing the perpetrators as mentally ill could allow society to rationalize or dismiss their crimes. Recognizing their humanity, however, underscores the weight of their culpability—a lesson that resonates well beyond the historical context of the 1940s.

Vanderbilt also draws parallels to contemporary issues, subtly reminding audiences that authoritarianism and abuses of power persist when vigilance lapses. As Roger Ebert noted, “Nuremberg reminds us that examining evil is not just historical reflection—it is an ongoing struggle for conscience and justice.”

6. Reception: Praise, Debate, and Audience Acclaim

The film has received overwhelmingly positive responses from audiences:

On Rotten Tomatoes, Nuremberg boasts a near-perfect 96% audience rating, with viewers praising its emotional depth, performances, and historical significance.

Critics, however, are divided. Some applaud the performances but note that the pacing is deliberate, and the emphasis on psychological drama sometimes overshadows complex legal details.

Discussions on Reddit reveal that while the trailer may appear conventional, the film’s execution exceeds expectations, particularly in its moral and emotional impact.

Crowe and Malek’s performances have been singled out as career highlights, and many viewers suggest that the film should be included in educational curricula to convey the lessons of history and justice.

7. Key Characters and Their Psychological Dynamics

The heart of Nuremberg lies in the interactions between Kelley and Göring:

Douglas Kelley is portrayed as a beacon of reason and morality, tasked with understanding the minds behind atrocities.

Hermann Göring is a complex antagonist: intelligent, charming, and manipulative. His presence challenges Kelley’s ethical and psychological boundaries.

Howard Triest provides a lens of human empathy, reflecting the personal consequences of systemic evil.

Robert H. Jackson symbolizes the pursuit of justice, representing the legal authority and moral imperative to hold perpetrators accountable.

The film’s success rests on this delicate balance of historical accuracy, character depth, and ethical exploration.

8. Social Relevance: Lessons for Today

Nuremberg transcends its historical subject matter, connecting the past with contemporary social and political concerns. Through its portrayal of authoritarian manipulation and the consequences of silence, the film warns that the structures enabling evil remain present in modern society. Audiences are encouraged to reflect on vigilance, civic responsibility, and ethical courage.

By integrating archival footage and historical detail, the film ensures that viewers do not perceive Nazi leaders merely as characters, but as real human agents capable of choice—a potent reminder of the stakes involved in unchecked power.

9. Controversy and Challenges

Despite acclaim, the film has faced critique:

Some argue that Göring is “over-humanized,” potentially softening the perception of his crimes.

Metacritic reports a lower average score among critics, citing slow pacing and emotional emphasis over complex legal analysis.

Discussions online note that while the film engages audiences, it risks oversimplifying or dramatizing certain aspects for narrative effect.

Nonetheless, the consensus remains that the film sparks critical discussion and offers valuable insights into moral and historical accountability.

10. Release and Future Availability

Nuremberg premiered in U.S. cinemas on November 7, 2025, with international releases following shortly after. While currently unavailable on major streaming platforms, early reports suggest availability on Netflix or Amazon Prime by early 2026. Its release coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials, reinforcing its educational and symbolic significance.

11. Educational and Cultural Value

The film is highly suitable for educational contexts, offering lessons on psychology, law, and ethics. It demonstrates that historical cinema can illuminate moral dilemmas, prompting audiences to consider responsibility, justice, and the consequences of human actions. By portraying both the perpetrators and the victims of history, Nuremberg fosters empathy, understanding, and critical reflection.

12. Conclusion: A Timeless Cinematic Achievement

Nuremberg is a testament to the power of cinema to educate, challenge, and move audiences. The complex interplay between Douglas Kelley and Hermann Göring underscores the notion that evil is not always monstrous—it can be human, strategic, and seductive.

Under James Vanderbilt’s masterful direction, with outstanding performances from Russell Crowe and Rami Malek, Nuremberg becomes a historical, psychological, and moral exploration. It is not mere entertainment—it is a cinematic reminder that justice requires vigilance, ethical clarity, and courage. For anyone interested in history, human psychology, or the enduring fight for justice, Nuremberg is an essential watch.