Nuremberg Puts Evil on the Stand

Can anyone become a Nazi?

That is the central question posed by Nuremberg, director James Vanderbilt’s newest film, which explores the pivotal trials that followed the conclusion of World War II. In this dramatized retelling, terrific acting meets timely themes that will likely be ignored by those who need to hear them most.

The film features typical World War II themes but introduces a wrinkle: the story is told from the perspective of psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, played by Rami Malek. Kelley is tasked with keeping the captured Nazi high command from committing suicide long enough to face judgment. The international trial, set ...