The Commandant's Shadow: A Haunting Legacy
The documentary "The Commandant's Shadow" delves into the complex legacy of Rudolf Höss, the notorious commandant of Auschwitz, through the eyes of his family. The film opens with a chilling visit to a meticulously recreated replica of the Höss family home, situated next to the very camp where millions perished. This recreation, echoing the Oscar-winning film "The Zone of Interest," triggers a visceral reaction in viewers familiar with the film, evoking a sense of eerie familiarity and unsettling unease.
The documentary explores the unsettling question of the Höss family's alleged ignorance of the horrors unfolding just beyond their garden wall. It suggests that their apparent obliviousness might have been a strategy employed by many Germans post-war to minimize guilt by association. The film goes beyond this simple explanation, hinting that even the children may not have been entirely unaware, presenting a more nuanced perspective on the family's collective denial.
"The Commandant's Shadow" offers a glimpse into the lives of Hans Jürgen Höss, Rudolf's son, and his son, Kai Höss, who is now a Christian pastor. The film also features a remarkable encounter between the two men and Holocaust survivor Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, a poignant moment of reconciliation and shared grief. The quiet and reflective demeanor of both men, coupled with Lasker-Wallfisch's powerful presence, contrasts starkly with the chilling evasion witnessed in the Oscar-winning documentary "The Last Days."
The film then shifts its focus to Hans Jürgen's sister, Inge-Brigitt "Püppi" Höss, a former fashion model. The viewers are left with a sense of unsettling discomfort as Hans Jürgen playfully recreates a childhood game with "Püppi," a stark reminder of the family's chillingly detached existence. "Püppi," now deceased, shows little interest in confronting the past, leaving the viewers to grapple with her denial and the weight of the family's legacy.
"The Commandant's Shadow" probes the intergenerational trauma and its lasting impact on the family. The film highlights Maya Lasker-Wallfisch, the daughter of the Holocaust survivor, a therapist deeply affected by her family's history. Maya's emotional struggle contrasts with her mother's unflinching strength and resilience, reflecting the complexities of inherited trauma and the pursuit of healing.
The documentary concludes with a poignant meeting between the two generations, a poignant attempt to reconcile with the past. While offering no definitive resolution, the film presents a powerful and unflinching portrayal of a family grappling with the weight of a dark legacy. It leaves viewers with a profound sense of the enduring impact of the Holocaust and the complexities of navigating inherited trauma.
