The 2023 Netflix film Irena's Vow tells the true story of a Polish nurse who sheltered Jewish people during the Holocaust, a tale that has drawn comparisons to Schindler's List and left many viewers in tears.
Set during the Second World War, the film depicts the Nazi invasion of Poland and the brutal persecution of Jewish people. The story follows Irena Gut Opdyke, a nurse who risked her life to hide 12 Jews in the cellar of a household where she worked as a housekeeper for a German Army officer, Major Eduard Rügemer.
A Story of Heroism and Sacrifice
Irena's actions are one of countless acts of heroism from those who endangered themselves to save others. Her story has been told both in the film and in a Broadway play of the same name, both written by Dan Gordon.
Sophie Nélisse, known for Yellowjackets and The Book Thief, stars as Irena Gut Opdyke, the real-life heroine later honoured as Righteous Among the Nations in Jerusalem. The cast also includes Dougray Scott, Agata Turkot, Andrzej Seweryn and Irena Melcer.
Critical and Audience Reception
The film has earned widespread acclaim, with one Rotten Tomatoes review calling Nélisse's performance "outstanding." One viewer wrote: "Wow what a powerful, beautiful story. I'd never heard of this, and I do so like that it was based on true events. It also had exceptional acting by all. Give it a look, I'm sure you'll like it."
Another fan noted the film's graphic content, writing: "Superb film! Very intense violence in a couple of places...thus the 'R' rating is justified. However, the depiction of Nazi beastial anger seems authentic."
The personal cost of Irena's bravery was devastating: when Rügemer discovered the 12 Jews she was hiding, he agreed to keep silent only in exchange for a sexual relationship. She later escaped to allied Germany, met her future husband, and emigrated to America.
Comparisons to Schindler's List
Radio Times reviewed the film, noting: "Excellent performances - especially from Yellowjackets star Sophie Nélisse as Irena and Dougray Scott as her Nazi boss - elevate some skimpily scripted characters, but the compelling nature of an almost unbelievable true story keeps you gripped."
Another critic drew parallels to Schindler's List, praising the film's "vignettes of goodness and hope." Irena's Vow is streaming now on Netflix.
