Sophie Nélisse, whose career took off with The Book Thief in 2013, returns to the Nazi era with her new film, Irena’s Vow. Based on an inspirational true WWII story of Irena Gut Opdyke, a Polish nurse who risked all to aid Polish Jews persecuted by the Nazis, the film also stars Dougray Scott, Andrzej Seweryn, and Maciek Nawrocki.
Here’s the official synopsis: Through the eyes of a strong-willed woman comes the remarkable true story of Irena Gut Opdyke and the triumphs of the human spirit over devastating tragedy. 19-year-old Irena Gut is promoted to housekeeper in the home of a highly respected Nazi officer when she finds out that the Jewish ghetto is about to be liquidated. Determined to help twelve Jewish workers, she decides to shelter them in the safest place she can think of: the basement of the German commandant’s house. Over the next two years, Irena uses her wit, humor, and courage to hide her friends until the end of the German occupation, concealing them in the midst of countless Nazi parties, a blackmail scheme, and even the birth of a child. Her story is one of the most inspiring of our time.
Behind the camera is director Louise Archambault with a screenplay by Dan Gordon. Gordon not only wrote the Broadway play from which the film is adapted, but he also co-wrote one of our favorite all-time flicks around here, Passenger 57! I know it seems weird, but Gordon was a former member of the Israeli Defense Forces so his background is pretty extensive. He also wrote Wyatt Earp, another classic.
Fathom Events will release Irena’s Vow in theaters nationwide on April 15th and April 16th!
