Watch Saviors in the Night

Set in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II, "Saviors in the Night" tells the compelling story of a Jewish family's struggle for survival, aided by their former farmhand and his family. Based on Marga Spiegel's memoir "Retter in der Nacht," the film follows the narrative of six-year-old Lea Spiegel (Lia Perez), and how her family's life changes when they are forced into hiding after being betrayed by their neighbors.

Max (Armin Rohde), the Spiegel family's former farmhand, and his wife, Käthe (Veronica Ferres), take in the family, hiding them in their barn. Lea's parents, Marga (Margit Carstensen) and Menne (Martin Horn), and her grandparents, Oscha (Wolfgang Bathke) and Itze (Sera Meding), are cramped into a small, dark space, where they must remain completely silent during the day, for fear of being discovered.

As time passes, tensions and fears rise among the two families. Max and Käthe find themselves continuously risking their lives to smuggle food and supplies to the Spiegels, who are living in constant fear of discovery. Meanwhile, Lea's grandparents reminiscence about their past, cherishing their memories and discussing their hopes for the future, despite their dismal circumstances.

"Retter in der Nacht" is a unique Holocaust story that focuses not on the cruelty and brutality that characterized the Nazis, but rather on the outstanding bravery and kindness of ordinary people during difficult times. The film highlights the risks that Max and Käthe take in their attempts to protect the Spiegels, knowing that if they were to be discovered, they could be severely punished or even killed.

The performances of the cast were impeccable, particularly that of Lia Perez, who portrays young Lea with sensitivity and grace. She shows empathy towards her family members, as well as towards Max and Käthe, recognizing their importance in protecting the Spiegels. In contrast, Veronica Ferres portrays Käthe with grit and determination, embodying a character who is willing to do whatever it takes to save the lives of others.

Director Ludi Boeken does an excellent job in developing the characters, portraying their emotions, passions, and motivations in a way that is both thought-provoking and evocative. The film is shot beautifully, with the majority of the scenes set inside the cramped confines of the barn, the camera captures the emotions of the family members, their fears, and their hopes as time passes.

Overall, "Saviors in the Night" is a poignant and moving film about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassion to shine through even in times of darkness. It is a reminder that history is not just a record of war and death, but also a testament to the human perseverance and goodness that can be found even in the worst of times.

Saviors in the Night is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.