This film titled “The World Will Tremble” narrates the chilling, authentic account of Jewish prisoners who managed to break free from the Chełmno Nazi death camp in Poland during World War II, becoming the first to provide eyewitness testimonies about the Holocaust. Director Lior Geller spares no gruesome details, depicting with unflinching realism the systematic cruelty, mass killings, and heinous atrocities that marked the early stages of the 20th century’s most appalling crime against humanity – the Holocaust. “The World Will Tremble” is a harrowing viewing experience that leaves a profound impact, serving as a stark reminder of our darkest human impulses. Although Geller’s cinematography and production design are exceptional, some of the dialogue in the script may seem somewhat contrived compared to the raw visual imagery it presents.
Work or Extermination
On January 19, 1942, in a thickly wooded area near Chełmno, Poland, Solomon Weiner (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) found it difficult to navigate through heavy mud with his left shoe torn apart. The Nazi guards mercilessly assaulted him for falling behind. There was no room for delays. Wolf (Charlie MacGechan) swiftly ripped a piece of cloth from his own shirt and patched Solomon’s damaged footwear. He then shared secretively with the other battered and malnourished prisoners, warning them that they needed to flee tonight or risk ending up in the pit they were compelled to dig.
A weary Solomon isn’t interested in Wolf’s proposals, fearing they’ll be captured and likely put to death. Aaron (Gilles Ben-David) thinks they should resist for as long as they can. There are whispers that the Russians are nearing. Soon, they will all find freedom. But Wolf dismisses this optimistic notion. He points to the Nazis chuckling while unloading another gas truck. Other prisoners clean up the waste left from the recent massacre.
The Nazis lead prisoners back to Chełmno. For the initial time, Solomon, Wolf, and Aaron are selected to “categorize” the newcomers. They hang their heads in sadness as a truck carrying fresh arrivals rolls through the gate. A Nazi officer dons a doctor’s white coat. Women, children, and the elderly receive a friendly welcome from SS Officer Lang (David Kross). He promises comfortable beds and a warm meal before the factory journey, but first they must surrender their belongings, separate valuables, and abandon their luggage. Then off to the showers for “sanitizing” before the trip to a destination supposedly superior to the ghetto.
A Disturbing Look at the Nazi Genocide Machine
In the gripping film, “The World Will Tremble,” Geller, renowned for his documentaries like “Roads” and “We Die Young,” delves into Solomon’s perspective. A shattered man, Solomon is reluctantly spurred on by Wolf’s bravery but lacks the courage to attempt escape. However, a heart-wrenching sequence of events forces him to reconsider. He comes to understand that Wolf was correct – they are as good as dead. The only way to possibly warn other Jewish people about the horrific truth is to try and flee. Essentially, they are being systematically wiped out.
In Geller’s initial performance, we witness a chilling portrayal of the meticulous strategies employed by the Nazis during their atrocities. Through extended, sweeping shots, he reveals the concentration camp, gas trucks, cells, and sorting rooms overflowing with personal effects of the deceased. Their murderous tactics were meticulously organized. The secret to the Nazis’ success was their deception of Jews; only able-bodied men survived the sorting process. Everyone else was crammed into gas trucks and perished en route to the pits. Their objective was to exterminate as many with minimal resources. The prisoners responsible for burying the carnage often identified bodies of long-lost loved ones. Be advised, these scenes are distressing and highly intense.
A Brilliant Escape Muddled by Unnecessary Dialogue
In the thrilling second act, Geller masterfully films and edits the dramatic escape sequence, keeping Solomon at the heart of the action as he flees through the woods, dodging bullets that zoom past his head and strike trees. A continuous shot, seeming to slide down a slope, was likely achieved using a camera mounted on an overhead rope and pulley system. Geller expertly portrays the raw fear of a desperate flight, but the joy of pulling off the impossible is swiftly overshadowed by the imminent danger of pursuing Nazis. Consequently, there’s no time for celebration as the next phase of Wolf’s plan – revealing the truth – promises to be just as challenging as the escape.
In crucial moments, The World Will Tremble seems to lack suspense due to overly detailed dialogue among characters. This dialogue serves as a clear exposition for those unfamiliar with the early stages of the Holocaust, emphasizing the immense sorrow and guilt endured by prisoners. However, Geller’s intentions are honorable; he could have added more subtlety to make these conversations seem authentic and credible. The same issue is evident during the climax when Solomon’s story is finally revealed.
Movies delving into this theme tend to leave viewers emotionally drained. Yet, the Holocaust’s harrowing reality compels us to bear its discomfort. Geller’s inclusion of genuine footage prior to the credits intensifies your sorrow and anger. The fate of Solomon and his companions continues to resonate long after the final scene has ended. Their courage and sacrifice demand our eternal remembrance. Produced by Black Sheep Films, Radiancy Pictures, Lorton Entertainment, and UFO Films, “The World Will Tremble” is set for a theatrical release on March 14th via Vertical. It will initially be screened at select theaters before its wider distribution, followed by a broader release.
Los Angeles, CA – Laemmle Town Center
17200 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91316
Discussion with filmmaker Lior Geller and performer Jeremy Neumark Jones after the 15th of March, 7:00 PM showing
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Post-screening interview with director/writer Lior Geller and actor Jeremy Neumark Jones on the 15th of March at 7:00 PM
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Talk with Lior Geller (director/writer) and Jeremy Neumark Jones (actor) following their film screening on the 15th of March, 7:00 PM.
Los Angeles, CA – Lumiere Cinema
9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
*Q&A with director/writer Lior Geller following the 3/16, 4:30PM screening
New York City, NY – Kent Theater
1170 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Birmingham, MI – Emagine Palladium
209 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, MI 48009
Plymouth, MN – Emagine Willow Creek
9900 Shelard Pkwy, Plymouth, MN 55441
Dallas, TX – Angelika Film Center & Café
5321 E Mockingbird Ln #230, Dallas, TX 75206
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2025-03-13 22:32