Movie Review — “Jojo Rabbit”: An imperfect yet lovely film

“Jojo Rabbit,” a recently released satirical dramedy set during World War II, is not a perfect movie, but its story and characters still pack an emotional and heartfelt punch.

The film, which is labeled as “anti-hate satire” by the filmmakers, focuses on 10-year-old boy Jojo Betzler, played by English actor Roman Griffin Davis. Jojo lives in Germany with his mother, played by Scarlett Johansson, while his father is away fighting in the army. Jojo is a devout member of the Hitler Youth, the German Nazi youth organization, wearing his uniform everywhere he goes. 

Jojo is so devoted to the Nazi party that his imaginary and best friend is none other than Adolf Hitler, played by Taika Waititi, who also directs the film. Much of the comic relief comes from Jojo’s interactions with Hitler, which includes everything from handling live grenades to wearing matching swim caps at the pool.

Everything changes when Jojo discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish girl, Elsa Korr, in their house. As Jojo gets to know Elsa, played by Thomasin McKenzie, he must confront his ingrained beliefs about Jewish people and struggle to reconcile it with his identity as a proud Nazi.

While the movie grapples with dark and, occasionally, horrific material, the movie balances these moments with the heart of its title character. Roman Griffin Davis is the leading force in the film, bringing Jojo and his struggles to life on the screen. With Jojo appearing in nearly every scene of the movie, Roman lets the audience tap into Jojo’s emotions and experience as a child in Nazi Germany.

While the story occasionally struggles with pacing, Waititi does an excellent job overall as director, sharing a message of love and understanding. The film differs greatly from his previous movie, “Thor: Ragnarok,” but provides plenty of laughs, some tense moments and even a few heart-wrenching ones.

The heart of this film is what makes “Jojo Rabbit” work, and that heart will keep its message in the minds of its audience long after the credits roll.

—alek.nelson@aggiemail.usu.edu

@nelsonalek