The Conference
By Matti Geschonneck
2022
History / War
1h48
Synopsis
On the morning of January 20, 1942, about fifteen dignitaries of the Third Reich gather in an elegant villa, invited by Reinhard Heydrich to a mysterious conference. They only discover the purpose at the last minute: these representatives of the Waffen SS or the Party, officials from various ministries, emissaries from the conquered provinces, learn that they must agree on a plan to eliminate the Jewish people, called the Final Solution, by noon. Over the course of two hours, debates, maneuvers, and power games unfold, as the fate of millions hangs in the balance, leading to an inevitable tragedy.
Community Reviews
Viewers find 'The Conference' a chilling and instructive portrayal of a historical atrocity, with its stark, sober presentation enhancing the gravity of the subject. The film's focus on the bureaucratic aspects of the Holocaust through calm, technical discussions among Nazi officials strikes a powerful chord, emphasizing the horrifying banality of evil. While the acting is praised for its realism, some viewers felt the film's minimalistic style and lack of dramatic action made it somewhat tedious and less engaging.
👍 Effective portrayal of the banality of evil.
👎 May feel slow and uneventful to some.
