The film Aryan Papers, directed by Danny Patrick, attempts to navigate the complex themes of the Holocaust but falls short of delivering a compelling narrative. Set in 1942 near Stuttgart, the film centers around the Lebensborn programme, a Nazi initiative aimed at breeding Aryan children. Unfortunately, its execution has drawn significant criticism for its lack of depth and coherence.
This project should not be mistaken for an unrealised film of the same name, which was associated with renowned director Stanley Kubrick. That version was based on Louis Begley’s novel Wartime Lies and has recently seen renewed interest with Luca Guadagnino reportedly trying to revive it. Kubrick abandoned his version partly due to concerns about its commercial viability following the release of Schindler’s List. In contrast, Patrick’s Aryan Papers is unlikely to face similar scrutiny, as its shortcomings overshadow any potential impact.
The film’s narrative follows characters living at a facility dedicated to the Lebensborn programme. Here, vetted young women are paired with Nazi officers to produce Aryan offspring. Central to the plot is Gisella, portrayed by Celia Learmonth, who attempts to smuggle two Jewish individuals, Benjamin and Judith, to safety. While Learmonth’s performance stands out among the cast, it struggles against the poorly crafted script and direction.
Critics have highlighted a range of issues, including the film’s disjointed editing, which makes it challenging to understand the timeline. Viewers are left confused as the story unfolds in a fractured manner, likely reflecting a lack of cohesive direction. Additionally, the film’s production quality suffers from the evident use of modern props, such as visible plastic wheelie bins, which detracts from its historical authenticity.
The performances have attracted particular ire. Many actors appear poorly rehearsed and deliver their lines in a monotone fashion, which undermines the emotional weight of the story. The casting choices have led some to speculate on the film’s production process, with suggestions that the cast may have been hastily assembled.
Despite its apparent intentions, Aryan Papers has been described as a disservice to the memory of Holocaust victims. Critics argue that the film’s lack of depth and consideration diminishes the gravity of its subject matter. The sincerity of the cast and crew does not compensate for the overall execution, which many deem as offensive to those who suffered during this dark chapter of history.
The film is set to be available on digital platforms starting January 26, 2024. While it may provide insights into a lesser-known aspect of World War II, it remains to be seen whether audiences will engage with a work that has garnered such critical scorn.