The Photographer of Mauthausen, a 2018 Spanish historical drama film directed by Mar Targarona, is now streaming on Netflix. The film tells the true story of Francesc Boix, a Catalan Republican and photographer imprisoned at the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp during World War II, who attempts to capture images of the atrocities inside the Nazi Austrian camp to document the horrors committed within its walls.
Critical and viewer acclaim
Critics say the war film delivers stunning cinematography, and it is remarkably poignant and stays with you for days after watching it. The film's exceptionally dark themes and stark depictions of violence are portrayed through naturalistic acting, which makes you feel like a fly on the wall, reports the Express.
Jason Bailey's review on Rotten Tomatoes described it 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."
Comparisons to Schindler's List
One IMDb reviewer drew comparisons between the film and Schindler's List, describing it as something that "is a stark, brutal re-enactment of actual events in possibly the most brutal and horrendous of all the concentration camps, Mauthausen." The reviewer 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, not for casual amusement.
Richard W added: "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."
Streaming details
The Photographer of Mauthausen is streaming now on Netflix.
