In 2025, as the world continues to grapple with the resurgence of authoritarian rhetoric, serves as a warning label. The film smartly differentiates between true believers and those playing along for convenience.
The story begins with Johannes "Jojo" Betzler, a lonely, impressionable ten-year-old living in a provincial German town as World War II grinds to a desperate close. Like many boys his age, Jojo is indoctrinated by the Hitler Youth, believing that serving the Führer is the highest calling. But unlike other boys, Jojo’s internal conflict is made literal: his best friend is an imaginary version of Adolf Hitler. Played with absurd, goofy charm by writer-director Taika Waititi, this Hitler is a farcical buffoon—a childish confidant who encourages Jojo’s worst impulses while eating unicorn meat and being generally useless. Jojo Rabbit
Springtime for Nazis: How the Satire of “Jojo Rabbit” Backfires : A critical analysis from The New Yorker In 2025, as the world continues to grapple
The film centers on Jojo’s internal conflict between his indoctrinated hatred and his growing humanity. Like many boys his age, Jojo is indoctrinated