New Zealand author Heather Morris’ acclaimed but controversial 2018 novel comes to the small screen in the form of this six-episode miniseries.
When is The Tattooist of Auschwitz being released in New Zealand?
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is released in New Zealand exclusively on Neon on May 2.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz: Miniseries
What is The Tattooist of Auschwitz about?
Based on conversations that Morris had with the real Lale Sokolov, The Tattooist of Auschwitz tells a sobering story of hope, love, and survival under the most horrific circumstances. Imprisoned in Auschwitz in 1942, 25 year old Lale, a Slovakian Jew, is apprenticed to the camp tattooist and forced to etch serial numbers into the skin of his fellow inmates. The film follows his struggle to survive the brutal conditions as he uses his somewhat privileged position to help other victims, while falling in love with Gita, another prisoner.
This one comes to us from Israeli director Tali Shalom Ezer (Princess) and Australian screenwriter Jacquelin Perske (Little Fish).
The cast of The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Jonah Hauer-King (The Little Mermaid) is Lale Sokolov, with acting legend Harvey Keitel (Taxi Driver, Reservoir Dogs) playing Sokolov as an old man; Melanie Lynskey (Heavenly Creatures, Yellowjackets) is Heather Morris, author of the source novel; Anna Próchniak (The Innocents, Bad Day for the Cut) is Gita; and Jonas Nay, Anna Próchniak, Karin Ann, Yali Topol, and Oleksandr Yatsenko rounding out the ensemble.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz trailer
Why we’re excited about The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Morris’ novel, which was billed as historical fiction, nonetheless took some criticism regarding its historical accuracy, which is too thorny an issue to delve into here, but its power is undeniable. And besides, it’s a memoir rather than a textbook, so conflicting memories and a little hagiography can only be expected. With a cast this good, plus a talented team behind the camera, we’re surely in good hands.
