James Vanderbilt’s much-anticipated historical drama, “Nuremberg,” hit theatres on November 7, 2025, offering a compelling new lens on one of the most significant trials of the 20th century.
Inspired by Jack El-Hai’s nonfiction book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, the film explores the aftermath of World War II by delving into the psychological showdown between Nazi leader Hermann Göring and American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley.
Story
Set in the tense days that followed Adolf Hitler’s death, “Nuremberg” centers on Göring’s surrender and subsequent imprisonment by Allied forces. The real heart of the film is the intellectual duel between Göring (played by Russell Crowe) and Dr. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek), the army psychiatrist responsible for evaluating the mental state of Nazi war criminals before the landmark Nuremberg Trials. Their encounter goes beyond routine assessment, becoming a fascinating study in manipulation, morality, and the interrogation of evil itself.
Director and writer James Vanderbilt uses these exchanges to examine how charismatic villains can rationalize unspeakable acts, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable parallels with modern-day issues of accountability and justice. The courtroom sequences are charged with psychological tension, highlighting the fragile boundary between reason and atrocity.
Watch the trailer “Nuremberg”
Cast and Credit
“Nuremberg” boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring, Rami Malek as Douglas Kelley, Michael Shannon as Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, Richard E. Grant, Colin Hanks, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Wrenn Schmidt, Lydia Peckham, and others in supporting roles.
Directed by James Vanderbilt
Screenplay by James Vanderbilt
Based on The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai
Cinematography Dariusz Wolski
Release dates: September 7, 2025 (TIFF); November 7, 2025 (United States)
Filmed in Budapest and helmed by Vanderbilt—known for his sharp scripting in films like “Zodiac”—the production draws on dramatic visual style and meticulous historical research.
Release and Reception
The film premiered in the Gala Presentations section at the Toronto International Film Festival, earning one of the event’s longest standing ovations. Upon its U.S. release by Sony Pictures Classics, “Nuremberg” received generally favorable reviews. Critics praised Crowe’s chilling portrayal of Göring and Malek’s nuanced turn as Kelley, noting that the film succeeds as both historical drama and psychological thriller.
On Rotten Tomatoes, “Nuremberg” holds a 68% approval rating, with many reviewers highlighting the film’s balance of emotional restraint and complex subject matter. Metacritic scores it at 61, reflecting broadly positive critical consensus.
Why Watch Nuremberg?
“Nuremberg” is more than a retelling of history—it’s a timely meditation on moral responsibility and the enduring relevance of accountability in world affairs. The film’s exploration of character, guilt, and justice will resonate with anyone interested in historical dramas, psychological thrillers, or stories that ask difficult questions about humanity.
Where to watch Nuremberg (2025)
