Nuremberg Trailer, Fun Facts & Review
Nuremberg Synopsis:
A gripping psychological duel between U.S. Army psychiatrist Lt. Colonel Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) and the captured Nazi figurehead, Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe). Kelley's mission to evaluate the mental fitness of the prisoners quickly devolves into a chilling confrontation as he attempts to peer into Göring's cunning mind to understand the pathology of evil, a pursuit that evolves into a dangerous, obsessive relationship while Chief Prosecutor Robert H. Jackson (Michael Shannon) works tirelessly to build the unprecedented legal case for justice.
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Release Date: In theaters November 7th, 2025
Nuremberg Fun Facts:
A Battle of Wits:
The movie focuses deeply on the mental confrontation between the real-life U.S. Army psychiatrist, Douglas Kelley, and the charismatic Nazi leader Hermann Göring, inspired by the true account in the book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist.
Oscar-Winning Showdown:
The movie features two Academy Award winners in the main roles: Rami Malek in the role of Kelley and Russell Crowe as Göring, setting up an exciting confrontation between the two powerhouse actors.
Star-Studded Cast:
Besides Crowe and Malek, the movie includes a strong lineup of well-known actors, featuring Oscar nominee Michael Shannon as U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, who serves as the lead prosecutor, and Richard E. Grant portraying Sir David Maxwell Fyfe, the British lead prosecutor.
Directed by a Thriller Screenwriter:
The movie is written and directed by James Vanderbilt, who is well-known for writing intricate and suspenseful thrillers like Zodiac and Scream series, suggesting this movie will unfold in a manner similar to an intense psychological thriller.
Adapted from a Non-Fiction Book:
The movie is based on the non-fiction book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai.
World Premiere at TIFF:
The film held its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 7th, 2025, before it was scheduled to be released in the United States and Canada on November 7th, 2025.
Nuremberg Review:
James Vanderbilt's movie, Nuremberg, is a dark and intense psychological thriller that takes place right after World War II. It focuses on the mental and moral arguments taking place inside the prison cells where the defeated Nazi leaders were held. The film is based on a book called The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai. It features an American Army psychiatrist, Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek), who is tasked with determining if the captured Nazi leader is mentally fit to stand trial for their crimes against humanity. His most challenging subject is the charismatic, defiant Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe).
The movie is mostly a drama between two characters, even though it happens during one of the most important trials in history. The whole film is held together by Russell Crowe's amazing performance, which may be the best of his career. Crowe doesn't just play the character; he becomes the character. He is threatening, self-centered, and dangerously smart, acting with the calm assurance of a man who truly believes he's still the smartest person around, even as a prisoner waiting to be executed. His performance, spoken in German, is captivating and shows just how attractive and persuasive evil can be when it's spoken well. His co-star, Rami Malek's Dr. Kelley, is intelligent and eager. At first, Kelley sees Göring as a puzzle—a way to "understand evil." However, he soon realizes he's trapped in a dangerous mental battle with the Nazi leader.
The most emotional part of the movie is the intense private meetings between Kelley and Göring. However, the film becomes much more urgent because of Michael Shannon, who plays U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, the main American prosecutor. Shannon brings a seriousness to the courtroom drama, often reminding viewers that these trials are not just about punishing people; they are about creating a brand-new system of international law for the world. The moral conflict is clear, especially as Dr. Kelley struggles with two things: keeping his patient's information secret (doctor-patient confidentiality) and dealing with the huge pressure to help Jackson win against the cunning Göring.
Director Vanderbilt creates a visually stunning movie, embracing a dark visual style that highlights the impressive setting of the courtroom along with the tight, suffocating feeling of the prison cells. With a runtime of 148 minutes, the flow of the story can sometimes seem inconsistent, and the use of the "cat-and-mouse" thriller format occasionally makes the huge importance of the historical trial feel smaller.
Despite some issues with its structure, the last segment of Nuremberg is a must-watch for everyone. By using actual historical footage from the concentration camps, the film breaks through any facade of Hollywood glamour and delivers a strong message about the seriousness of the situation. Vanderbilt strongly emphasizes that the teachings from Nuremberg are not just relevant to history; they serve as a serious warning for the present.
Ultimately, Nuremberg is an amazing story that should definitely be watched, despite its heavy and dark themes. It serves as a reminder that those who create terror are often surprisingly normal, supporting Kelley's unsettling observation that such individuals can be found in every nation.