Russell Crowe Dominates as Hermann Göring in Riveting "Nuremberg"

James Vanderbilt's "Nuremberg," which theatrically releases on November 7, 2025, revisits the historic trials of Nazi war criminals, offering a fresh perspective on the events that unfolded after World War II. The film stars Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring, the commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe and the second most powerful man in Germany, alongside Rami Malek as Douglas Kelley, the American psychiatrist assigned to assess the mental state of the prisoners.

Crowe's portrayal of Göring is already generating significant buzz, with many critics praising his nuanced and chilling performance. He embodies Göring as both a monster and a magnetic figure, fully aware of his charisma and how to weaponize it. Crowe captures Göring's arrogance and contempt for those around him, portraying a man accustomed to power and quietly exuding menacing authority. Despite the character's abhorrent actions, Crowe manages to inject moments of dark humor without undermining the weight of Göring's crimes.

Malek's performance as Dr. Kelley provides a compelling counterpoint to Crowe's Göring. Kelley, initially ambitious and eager to make a name for himself, becomes increasingly entangled in a psychological game with Göring. Malek portrays Kelley's inner turmoil as he struggles to maintain professional detachment while confronting the depths of human evil. Michael Shannon shines as the judge determined to bring Göring to justice, while Richard E. Grant delivers a solid performance as British prosecutor David Maxwell-Fyfe.

Vanderbilt, known for his screenwriting work on films like "Zodiac" and "The Amazing Spider-Man," directs "Nuremberg" with a clear sense of purpose. The film boasts impressive visuals, with meticulous attention to detail in recreating the atmosphere of post-war Germany and the Nuremberg courtroom. The film utilizes actual archival footage from concentration camps, serving as a chilling reminder of the Nazis' atrocities.

While "Nuremberg" excels as a courtroom drama and a character study, some critics have pointed out shortcomings in its overall message. Some find that the film humanizes the Nazis to such an extent that it seems to apologize for their behavior. Others suggest that the film's attempt to draw parallels between the fascism of the past and contemporary issues feels heavy-handed. Despite these criticisms, "Nuremberg" is a thought-provoking film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. It prompts viewers to consider the complexities of evil and the importance of upholding justice and international law.