Nuremberg is a potent historical drama that delves into the pivotal events following World War II, focusing on the psychological battles that preceded the famous trials. Directed by James Vanderbilt, this film explores the complex cat-and-mouse game between American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley and captured Nazi Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring. With commanding performances from its stellar cast, the movie offers a timely and sobering look at the nature of evil and the birth of international justice.

Cast and Crew

Role	Name
Director	James Vanderbilt
Producer(s)	Richard Saperstein, Bradley J. Fischer, James Vanderbilt, Frank Smith, William Sherak, Benjamin Tappan, Cherilyn Hawrysh, István Major, George Freeman
Lead Actor(s)	Russell Crowe, Rami Malek
Supporting Cast	Michael Shannon, Leo Woodall, Richard E. Grant, John Slattery, Colin Hanks, Wrenn Schmidt
Music By	Brian Tyler
Cinematography	Dariusz Wolski

Story

The story of Nuremberg begins in the immediate aftermath of World War II. With the Nazi regime defeated, the Allied forces face an unprecedented question: how to bring the surviving high command to justice. The narrative centers on U.S. Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, who is tasked with a monumental duty: assessing the mental fitness of Hermann Göring and other captured Nazi leaders to ensure they are fit to stand trial. His mission is not just medical; it is a first attempt to psychologically define the evil the world has just witnessed.

This premise sets the stage for a tense and intellectual duel. Kelley, confident and ambitious, plans to write a book about his experiences and believes he can unravel the psyche of a Nazi. He finds his most formidable subject in Göring, who is not a broken man but a proud, calculating, and narcissistic leader treating his impending trial as the final stage for his propaganda. The story masterfully builds the relationship between these two men, who engage in a series of conversations that are part therapy session and part psychological warfare.

The emotional tone of the film is one of grim determination and sobering reality. While the courtroom trial is a significant part of the film, the core of the story lies in the quieter, more intimate scenes between Kelley and Göring. The film does not shy away from the horrific truth of the Holocaust, using archival footage to starkly contrast the clinical discussions in the prison with the brutal reality of the crimes committed, ensuring the weight of history is always felt.

Review

Nuremberg presents a compelling, if classically structured, historical drama. The screenplay, written by director James Vanderbilt, who previously penned the intricate Zodiac, focuses heavily on the slow-burn dissection of facts and character. This methodical pacing effectively mirrors the real-life bureaucratic and legal challenges of assembling the first international tribunal, though some critics have noted it takes time for the narrative to build to its most engaging point . The film’s emotional restraint is both its strength and a minor weakness, creating a tense atmosphere but occasionally keeping the audience at an emotional distance until the powerful final act.

The direction by Vanderbilt is assured and reverent towards its subject matter. He has crafted a film that feels like a prestige drama from a bygone era of Hollywood, leaning into the spectacle and significance of the events without excessive stylistic flair . This approach makes the story highly watchable, though some may find its conventional style somewhat glib when faced with the horrors it depicts. The film’s greatest success is its bracing relevance, hammering home the argument that the fight against tyranny and the importance of international law are as urgent today as they were in 1945.

Where the Nuremberg review truly finds its power is in its third act, during the trial itself. The inclusion of actual, horrific documentary footage from the concentration camps is a jarring and devastating moment that leaves a profound impact on the audience . It is here that the film’s central themes crystallize, moving beyond the psychological game between two men to confront the sheer scale of the atrocities and the moral imperative of the world’s response. This sequence alone makes the film an important viewing experience.

Technical Aspects

The technical presentation of Nuremberg is handsomely crafted and supports its serious tone. The cinematography by Dariusz Wolski employs a muted, almost sepia-toned color palette that evokes both the period and the grimness of the post-war environment . The camera work is often focused on tight, probing close-ups of the actors during their intense dialogues, creating a sense of claustrophobia and forcing the audience to scrutinize every reaction and micro-expression in the battle of wits.

The film’s production design by Eve Stewart deserves recognition for recreating the bombed-out ruins of Nuremberg and the oppressive, creamy-dark interiors of the courtroom and prison. This attention to detail grounds the film in a palpable sense of place and history. The editing by Tom Eagles maintains a steady, measured pace throughout the film’s 148-minute runtime, allowing the tension to build methodically towards the courtroom climax.

The background score by Brian Tyler is reported to be spectacular, adding significant historic weight to the on-screen events . In a film of this nature, the music must underscore the drama without manipulating the audience, and accounts suggest it succeeds, enhancing the gravity of the story. The sound design and the overall production quality work in concert to create a somber and immersive experience that elevates the material without overshadowing it.

Performances

The performances in Nuremberg are uniformly powerful, led by a commanding Russell Crowe. His portrayal of Hermann Göring is widely considered the standout of the film . Crowe is portly, imposing, and imbues Göring with a chilling, self-satisfied intelligence. He captures the essence of a pathological narcissist who remains defiant and manipulative, treating the trial as a game he can still win. It is a larger-than-life performance that reminds viewers of Crowe’s dramatic prowess.

Rami Malek, as psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, provides an effective counterpoint. He portrays Kelley as confident and slightly cocky, a man who believes he can diagnose evil but finds himself in over his head. While Malek is compelling in his scenes with Crowe, some reviews found that his performance occasionally veers into being too big for the moment, risking goofiness in an otherwise serious film . Despite this, the chemistry between the two leads drives the film’s central narrative.

The supporting cast is exceptionally strong. Michael Shannon brings gravitas and a touch of humor to the role of Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, the lead prosecutor . Richard E. Grant is calm and collected as British chief prosecutor David Maxwell Fyfe, and one of his scenes with Shannon is highlighted as a standout moment . Leo Woodall also delivers a poignant performance as Sgt. Howie Triest, an interpreter whose personal backstory provides one of the film’s most emotionally resonant moments .

OTT Release

As of now, Nuremberg is playing exclusively in theaters following its release on November 7, 2025 . There has been no official announcement regarding its digital OTT release date on any streaming platform. Moviegoers will need to watch for updates from the distributor, Sony Pictures Classics, in the coming months for information on when and where it will be available to stream online.

Rating

4 out of 5 stars

Nuremberg earns a strong 4 out of 5 for its commanding performances, particularly from Russell Crowe, its handsomely crafted production, and its profound thematic relevance. The deduction of one star is for its occasionally slow, measured pacing that may not fully engage all viewers and a directorial style that, while competent, sometimes prioritizes watchability over deep psychological insight or emotional connection. Ultimately, it is a important and thought-provoking film that powerfully delivers its crucial message by the end.

Conclusion

Nuremberg is a compelling and timely historical drama that powerfully recounts the birth of international justice. Bolstered by Russell Crowe’s terrifying performance and a strong supporting cast, it overcomes a methodical pace to deliver a final act of immense impact. This is a film that serves as both a gripping history lesson and a sobering reminder for the present.

FAQ

Is Nuremberg based on a true story?
Yes, the film is a historical drama based on true events. It is specifically adapted from the 2013 non-fiction book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai, which details the real-life interactions between psychiatrist Douglas Kelley and Hermann Göring .

Who plays Hermann Göring in the movie?
Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe portrays Hermann Göring, the former Reichsmarschall of Nazi Germany and the highest-ranking official tried at the Nuremberg trials .

How long is the Nuremberg movie?
The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 28 minutes (148 minutes) .