Vanderbilt wrote and directed the powerhouse film that is Nuremberg. Using The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai as it’s basis, Vanderbilt grounds the film in facts and strong performances.

Front and center in those performance is Russell Crowe who turns in what is arguably his best performance in years. Crowe plays Hermann Goring, the highest ranking member of the Nazi high command, who turned himself in to Allied forces.

In the States, Supreme Court Justice Jackson (Michael Shannon) is determined that the Nazis that they have been captured are tried and sentenced, legally and in the public eye. If he can find a way to do it, and get all the Allies to take part in it.

In Nuremberg, a psychiatrist, Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) is brought in to evaluate Goring and his compatriots and learn what makes them tick. He’s doing this in order to write a book, but Goring fascinates him, and the two engage in a battle of wits.

As the trial looms, will Kelley be able to help Jackson admit his guilt on the stand, or will Goring be able to outwit the pair, and garner sympathy for his cause.

Nuremberg ends up being incredibly powerful as it explores the horrors that were Nazism and fascism, and warning us about them happening again.

Surrounding the main trio is a solid cast that includes John Slattery, Colin Hanks, Richard E. Grant, and of special note is Leo Woodall who plays Howie, the sergeant assigned to Goring and Kelley as translator.

Featuring a sweeping score by Brian Tyler, the film’s almost three hour runtime rushes by in an instant!

The performances and moments are excellently crafted and there isn’t a surplus moment in the film. Everything works in service to the story, and moves the narrative forward at a breakneck speed.

It’s smart, engaging, completely captivating with its performances, and incredibly relevant. Nuremberg is a winner. It screens one last time at the festival on Sunday at Scotiabank at 12:30pm.