Jojo Rabbit
February 12, 2020
Set in Nazi Germany, Jojo Rabbit is a tale of a 10-year-old boy with an unusual imaginary friend: a comedic incarnation of Adolph Hitler. Jojo, a soft-hearted, well intentioned, naturally kind boy played by Roman Griffin Davis, doesn’t fit in with other rougher, crueler children in the Nazi youth program. When Jojo discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in his house, he is forced to reevaluate everything he has been taught. Taika Watiti directs and acts in a supporting role as Jojo’s imaginary Hitler; Scarlett Johanson and Thomasin McKenzie co-star as well.
This film finds a way to meld together genres and narratives. It is both funny and touching, serious and laughable, satirical and real. You’ll laugh as a comedic Hitler tries to guide Jojo, and your heart will melt as his mother tries to raise him amidst the horrors of Nazi Germany.
Controversy surrounds the film due to its light portrayal of Nazi Germany and Nazi characters, and for depicting Hitler in such a comedic way. A movie like this runs the risk of appearing lewd and insensitive, but Watiti is able to navigate perfectly between artistic (and at times, funny) expression and obscenity, narrowly traversing and just barely not crossing a line.
Despite coming from a less acclaimed director and having the strangest subject matter of the nominees, Jojo’s hilarious yet tragic script and the acting of breakout young stars has carried the film into a strong band of Best Picture nominees.
— Zach Helfand, Opinion Editor