Before the Nuremberg Trials became history, there were interviews, mind games and a chilling rapport between a U.S. army psychiatrist and the Nazi hierarchy’s most infamous survivor. That is the lens for James Vanderbilt’s Nuremberg, with Rami Malek as Douglas Kelley and Russell Crowe inhabiting Hermann Göring. To reach that performance, Crowe learned German and shaved for the first time in five years, a push for authenticity that drew ovations at the Toronto International Film Festival. With a January 2026 cinema release, the film revisits the uneasy space where psychology and justice first sketched the rules of international law.

Russell Crowe steps into a historical challenge

With the release of Nuremberg on 28 January 2026, audiences worldwide will witness a cinematic dive into one of history’s most pivotal moments, the aftermath of World War II and the Nuremberg Trials. Starring Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring, this dramatic feature illuminates not only the infamous proceedings but also the intense psychological battles waged before the courtroom. Directed and written by James Vanderbilt, and based on Jack El-Hai’s book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, the film strives for historical fidelity and emotional depth.

A cast committed to the truth

At the core of the film’s impact lies its stellar cast, featuring Rami Malek as Douglas Kelley, the psychiatrist examining Göring, alongside actors like Richard E. Grant, Michael Shannon, and more. The interplay of deep human conflict and historical justice takes center stage, but it is Crowe’s transformation into Göring that has captured the most attention. Taking artistic risks, Crowe not only learned German to ground his performance but also shaved for the first time in 5 years, a commitment that underlines his determination to embody this complex figure convincingly.

Beyond the courtroom: moral dilemmas and humanity

Unlike many historical dramas that focus solely on events, Nuremberg takes a deeper approach. The film uniquely explores the psychological clash between Kelley and Göring, delving into themes of power, accountability, and the psychology of evil. These moments invite the audience to grapple with moral questions: What leads individuals to commit atrocities? How should society address them? This layered storytelling is not just about the trials but also the groundwork for modern international criminal law, offering moments of discomfort, reflection, and profound ethical inquiry.

Recognition for an ambitious project

After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, Nuremberg has already made waves. Critics praised both the film’s narrative ambition and the depth of its cast, with Russell Crowe receiving particular acclaim for bringing nuance to a larger-than-life historical figure. Reports from the festival noted standing ovations, a testament to the film’s powerful impact. Crowe described the role as “one of the most challenging” of his career, and the emotional intensity of the storytelling is poised to resonate widely.

Echoes of history, lessons for today

As the film prepares to reach cinemas, its relevance continues to ripple. By revisiting the horrors of the past and the trials that followed, Nuremberg underscores the need for vigilance against extremism in all its forms. Sometimes, the past is not so far removed from our present. As the philosopher R. G. Collingwood wrote, “History is for human self-knowledge”, a sentiment that Nuremberg reflects in every frame of its story.