The historical drama The Photographer of Mauthausen (El fotógrafo de Mauthausen) has arrived on Netflix, drawing praise from critics and viewers who describe it as heartbreaking, terrifying and one of the most harrowing portrayals of a concentration camp in cinema history.
Directed by Mar Targarona, the 2018 Spanish film recounts the true story of Francesc Boix, a Catalan Republican and photographer imprisoned at the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp in Austria during World War II. Boix attempts to capture images of the atrocities inside the camp to document the horrors committed within its walls.
Critics Praise the Film's Impact
Critics say the film delivers stunning cinematography and is incredibly poignant, lingering with viewers for days after watching. The film's dark themes and stark depictions of violence are portrayed through naturalistic acting that makes the audience feel like a fly on the wall, according to a report by the Express.
Jason Bailey's review on Rotten Tomatoes described the film as "Vivid, involving and frequently terrifying." Tess Cagle said: "The film is a heart-wrenching love letter to photography and its power of upholding the truth in a confusing world."
Viewer Reactions and Comparisons
One IMDb viewer drew comparisons between the film and Schindler's List, calling it "a stark, brutal re-enactment of actual events in possibly the most brutal and horrendous of all the concentration camps, Mauthausen." They added: "The film faithfully chronicles a true story... perhaps too faithfully for the faint of heart to watch. This finely acted film, which must have been excruciating for the actors to work on, is a must-see for its historical value."
Richard W wrote: "Another film told from first-hand witnesses to the atrocities of World War II under fascist control. It's important to watch films like this so we never forget what happened (and work hard to never allow it to happen again). This film is from the experiences of Spanish antifascists who were imprisoned in the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria. I found this film to be very moving."
The recreation of scenes the real photographer captured is praised for its detailed accuracy, bringing the original black-and-white images to life. The Photographer of Mauthausen is currently available to stream on Netflix.
