Movie of the Day: The World Will Tremble (2025) by Lior Geller
- dailyentertainment95
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-world-will-tremble (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/the-world-will-tremble (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-world-will-tremble (UK)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26595906/
Link Review: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-world-will-tremble-review-1236162266/
Detailed Summary
"The World Will Tremble" recounts the harrowing true story of Michał Podchlebnik and Solomon Weiner, two Polish Jewish prisoners held captive in the Chełmno extermination camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. On January 19, 1942, these prisoners, forced to work as gravediggers and bury the bodies of countless men, women, and children murdered in gas vans, made a courageous and seemingly impossible escape. Despite having lost their own families, they were determined to flee not for their own survival, but to bear witness to the horrific atrocities they had witnessed and alert the world to the ongoing genocide. Using a stolen shard of glass, Solomon and Michael tore through the transport truck taking them to their grim task and bolted into the surrounding forest. They then faced a perilous journey, braving gunfire, pursuing Nazi guards, a raging river, German soldiers, and the Polish police. Their escape made them the first men to ever break free from a Nazi death camp, providing the world with the first eyewitness account of the Holocaust.
Plot Summary
In 1942, two Jewish prisoners, Solomon Weiner and Michael Podchlebnik, attempt a daring escape from the Chełmno extermination camp in Poland to become the first to inform the world about the Holocaust.
Director's Vision
Director Lior Geller spent over a decade researching World War II and the Holocaust to ensure the historical accuracy of "The World Will Tremble." His vision was to tell this previously untold story as truthfully as possible, highlighting the extraordinary bravery, resilience, and hope of the two escapees. The film aims to serve as a vital reminder of the importance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust, especially as the number of living survivors dwindles and in an age of rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial.
Themes
The Holocaust and Bearing Witness: The film confronts the horrors of the Holocaust, specifically the early stages of extermination camps, and emphasizes the importance of eyewitness accounts.
Courage and Resilience in the Face of Atrocity: Solomon and Michael's escape, despite unimaginable loss and danger, highlights the strength of the human spirit in the face of extreme evil.
The Importance of Truth and Remembrance: The prisoners' determination to inform the world underscores the critical need to remember and acknowledge the atrocities of the past.
Survival Against Impossible Odds: The film portrays the seemingly insurmountable challenges faced by the escapees as they navigate Nazi-occupied Poland.
Humanity's Darkest Instincts: The movie depicts the systemic brutality and vile atrocities of the Holocaust, serving as a stark reminder of humanity's capacity for depravity.
Key Success Factors
Based on a True and Previously Untold Story: The film sheds light on a significant historical event that deserves wider recognition.
Focus on Bravery and Resilience: The narrative centers on the heroic actions of the escapees, providing a powerful and inspiring story.
Meticulous Research and Historical Accuracy: Director Lior Geller's extensive research ensures an authentic portrayal of the events.
Strong Performances: Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Jeremy Neumark Jones deliver compelling portrayals of the two escapees.
Summary Short
Based on a true story, "The World Will Tremble" follows two Jewish prisoners' courageous escape from the Nazi extermination camp at Chełmno in 1942, as they attempt to deliver the first eyewitness account of the Holocaust to the world.
Awards and Nominations
Director Lior Geller is an Academy Award-nominee, and the film premiered at the Miami Jewish Film Festival. Further awards and nominations are not widely reported at this time.
Critics Reception
User reviews on IMDb describe the film as utterly compelling, absorbing, and terrifying, shedding light on a little-explored and horrific true story. It is praised for being brilliantly directed and acted.
Reviews
The Miami Jewish Film Festival highlights the film's focus on extraordinary bravery, resilience, and hope, emphasizing the human will to survive and bear witness even in the darkest circumstances.
Box Office
As of April 7, 2025, "The World Will Tremble" has grossed $32.3 million worldwide on a budget of $18 million. In the United States and Canada, it grossed $19.8 million.
Production (Summary, add sentence)
"The World Will Tremble" is a historical drama directed and written by Lior Geller, starring Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Jeremy Neumark Jones, and produced by Black Sheep Films, Radiancy Pictures, Lorton Entertainment, and UFO Films. The film, with a runtime of 109 minutes, was shot in the United States, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, and Israel.
Production Companies
Black Sheep Films (Country not specified)
Radiancy Pictures (Country not specified)
Lorton Entertainment (United Kingdom)
UFO Films (Country not specified)
Distribution Companies
Vertical is distributing "The World Will Tremble" in the United States.
Theatrical Release
The film had its world premiere at the Miami Jewish Film Festival on January 16, 2025. It was released theatrically in the United States on March 14, 2025.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Tells a Crucial and Previously Untold Story: The film brings to light a significant event from the Holocaust that has not been widely depicted.
Focuses on Extraordinary Acts of Courage: It highlights the bravery and determination of the prisoners to bear witness to the atrocities.
Historically Significant: The film serves as an important reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of remembrance.
Why to Watch Movie
To Learn a Previously Unknown Story from History: The film offers new insights into the Holocaust.
To Witness a Powerful and Moving Tale of Survival and Resistance: The story of Solomon and Michael's escape is both thrilling and deeply emotional.
To Support Films that Preserve the Memory of the Holocaust: In an age of rising antisemitism, this film serves as a vital reminder.
What Movie Trend Film is Following
Historical Dramas about World War II and the Holocaust: The film aligns with a continuing trend of cinematic works that explore various aspects of this pivotal period in history.
Escape Thrillers Based on True Events: The narrative follows a gripping escape against incredible odds, fitting into the subgenre of true-story-based thrillers.
What Big Social Trend is Following
Preserving Holocaust Memory and Combating Antisemitism: As the number of survivors dwindles, there is an increasing social imperative to remember and educate about the Holocaust, especially in the face of rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial.
Final Verdict
"The World Will Tremble" is a powerful and compelling historical drama that brings to light a remarkable and previously untold story of courage and resilience during the Holocaust. With meticulous research and strong performances, the film serves as a vital reminder of the atrocities of the past and the enduring strength of the human spirit to bear witness to the truth.
Recommendations for Film Makers
Thoroughly Research Historical Events: Lior Geller's decade-long research underscores the importance of accuracy in historical filmmaking.
Focus on the Human Stories Within Larger Historical Contexts: The film effectively personalizes the horrors of the Holocaust through the experiences of the two escapees.
Use Cinema to Preserve and Share Important Historical Narratives: Film can be a powerful medium for educating and reminding audiences about crucial events in history.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Continue to Support Films that Explore Significant Historical Events: Stories from the Holocaust and World War II remain relevant and important for contemporary audiences.
Recognize the Importance of Untold Stories: The film highlights the value of bringing lesser-known but significant historical narratives to the screen.
Provide Platforms for Films that Promote Education and Remembrance: Supporting the distribution of films like "The World Will Tremble" contributes to historical awareness and combats denial.
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