With its intense subject matter and commanding performances, Nuremberg is poised to be one of the most talked-about historical dramas of the year. Directed by James Vanderbilt and starring Russell Crowe and Rami Malek, the film reexamines the psychological battle at the heart of the infamous Nuremberg trials, set for release in UK cinemas on November 14, 2025, to coincide with the trials’ 80th anniversary.
Crowe takes on the role of Hermann Göring, Adolf Hitler’s second-in-command, delivering what early footage suggests is a chilling and complex performance. Facing him is Rami Malek as Douglas Kelley, the American army psychiatrist charged with evaluating the Nazi leaders’ mental fitness to stand trial. The first teaser trailer offers a 40-second glimpse into this riveting psychological duel, hinting at a layered narrative rich with moral and ethical tension.
What is the story behind the Nuremberg movie?
Nuremberg is inspired by the acclaimed book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai, which recounts the real-life encounters between Kelley and Göring during the post-WWII trials. Rather than focusing solely on the court proceedings, Vanderbilt’s adaptation zooms in on the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the psychiatrist and his infamous patient.
Set in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, the movie follows Kelley as he navigates the daunting task of diagnosing men accused of orchestrating one of history’s greatest atrocities. The dramatic core of the film lies in the intellectual duel between Kelley and Göring, whose charm and cunning test the boundaries of reason and justice. This psychological tension gives Nuremberg a thriller-like pace, setting it apart from traditional war dramas.
Who else is involved in this gripping historical drama?
Beyond the heavyweight pairing of Crowe and Malek, the ensemble cast is packed with talent. Michael Shannon, Richard E. Grant, and rising star Leo Woodall (playing the German-speaking translator Howard Triest) round out the film’s main players. The cast also includes John Slattery, Colin Hanks, Lydia Peckham, Wrenn Schmidt, Lotte Verbeek, and Andreas Pietschmann, ensuring a rich tapestry of performances.
Director James Vanderbilt, known for his work on Zodiac and The People v. O.J. Simpson, also penned the script. His dual role as writer and director suggests a tightly controlled vision for the project. The film is produced by a collaboration of heavy-hitting studios including Walden Media, Bluestone Entertainment, and Mythology Entertainment, with WME Independent handling international rights.
Behind the scenes, the production team includes seasoned producers like Richard Saperstein, Bradley J. Fischer, and Frank Smith of Walden Media, alongside executive producers including Jack El-Hai himself. Their combined experience brings both historical integrity and cinematic flair to the project.
When and where can audiences watch Nuremberg?
Following its theatrical debut on November 14, 2025, Nuremberg will be available to Sky Cinema subscribers starting January 2026. As a Sky Original, it joins an expanding lineup of award-winning films and exclusive releases that cater to a broad range of audiences.
Sky’s Head of Original Film, Andrew Orr, described the movie as “a bold and important project” that embodies the kind of ambitious storytelling the network aims to champion. With the support of Sky Cinema, known for titles like The Beekeeper, Lee, and Ferrari, Nuremberg is positioned for both critical and commercial success.
In addition to its compelling performances and timely themes, the movie promises a stark visual style and gripping narrative, offering a fresh lens through which to understand a pivotal moment in 20th-century history. As viewers prepare for its release, one question lingers: can a psychiatrist truly comprehend the mind behind such monstrous acts?
