"Truth and Treason": A Predictable Retelling of German Resistance During WW2

Based on a true story set in World War 2, "Truth and Treason" tells the story of German resistance against the Third Reich but follows a typical narrative pattern with conventional elements of a historical film such as the virtuous hero, a conflicted antagonist, and systemized violence. Despite having a compelling story at its heart, the film disappoints with its lack of artistic novelty.

Helmuth Hübener, played by Ewan Horrocks, is a 17-year-old religious boy living an average life in Hamburg. He starts questioning the happenings around him when his church begins to pledge allegiance to Adolf Hitler, his inclusive Mormon church prohibits Jewish entry, and his Jewish friend, Solomon Schwarz (Nye Occomore), is seized by the state. When he discovers a radio brought home by his older brother playing stations from outside Germany, he realizes that everything he's heard is propaganda.

The intelligent and learned Hübener uses his eloquence and writing skills, along with the knowledge he gets from foreign radio stations, to write about the actualities of the war. Aided by his friends, he spreads these pamphlets throughout Hamburg, causing tension-filled scenes built by the script written by Matthew Whitaker and Ethan Vincent. Hübener faces severe repercussions due to his actions, culminating with his arrest by the Gestapo.

The film becomes more bleak in its second half with a dreary plot revolving around Hübener's interrogation and torture. Rupert Evans, who plays the investigator, begins to admire Hübener as he realizes he's been working alone. However, this shift of events is quite predictable.

"Truth and Treason" has excellent performances but falls short due to its one-dimensional characters, sweeping, overly emotive music, and an intrusive script that feels out of place in the German narrative. Although the film is well-intentioned and commends Hübener's bravery and idealism, it fails to transcend the boundaries of its conventional storytelling. The result is a respectful yet stereotypical portrayal of Hübener's life that doesn't provide anything remarkable for the audience.