The Exception 2017
Directed by
David Leveaux
Made by
A24
Plot Summary
During the tumultuous period of World War II, Wehrmacht Captain Brandt finds himself overseeing the protection detail of the ousted German Emperor Wilhelm II at Huis Doorn, located near Utrecht in the Netherlands. The German authorities fear that an Allied spy is plotting to assassinate the ex-Kaiser, who, despite lacking any real power, still holds significant symbolic value to the German populace.
As Brandt navigates his duties, he receives explicit instructions from Colonel von Ilsemann to avoid any involvement with the female staff. However, he cannot resist the allure of Mieke de Jong, a maid with whom he embarks on a heated affair. In a moment of vulnerability, Mieke confides in Brandt about her Jewish heritage. To this, he pragmatically responds, > “I’m not,” advising her to keep her secret close.
Things take a darker turn when Gestapo Inspector Dietrich warns Brandt of a British secret agent’s presence in a nearby village. Under pressure, Brandt is instructed to uncover another spy hidden within the ex-Kaiser’s ranks. When Himmler, the fearsome Reichsführer-SS, is set to visit, tension escalates. Brandt’s instincts are piqued when he detects gun oil’s distinct smell emanating from Mieke’s quarters. His concerns grow as he overhears Mieke discussing her chilling intent to assassinate Himmler with a village pastor, driven by a personal vendetta against the SS for the loss of her father and husband.
As the SS close in on their suspects, the pastor faces extreme torture, pressured to divulge information about Mieke. Meanwhile, Wilhelm’s wife Hermine learns about the affair between Brandt and Mieke, expecting repercussions. Yet, the ex-Kaiser, revealing his own past indiscretions, opts to grant them leniency, urging them to maintain discretion.
In a dramatic twist, Brandt, in a bid to shield Mieke, searches her room before Himmler’s arrival and discovers the truth about her looming danger. Despite his pleas for her to escape, Mieke resolutely chooses to remain. When Himmler extends a dubious invitation from Adolf Hitler for Wilhelm to reclaim his throne, the atmosphere becomes charged with ambition, especially as Hermine dreams of becoming Empress. Wilhelm, however, is haunted by Himmler’s harrowing remarks about the extermination of disabled children.
Brandt grapples with his sense of duty. In a poignant exchange with von Ilsemann, we are left to ponder, > “First you must decide what is your country and if it even still exists.” Mieke, delivering what she believes is a lifeline from Winston Churchill, offers Wilhelm a chance at asylum. But the ex-Kaiser ultimately declines, accepting the reality of his dethronement.
As the Gestapo narrows in on Mieke, Brandt hatches a daring escape plan. Under the pretense of a heart attack, they manage to flee in a van. As tensions rise, Mieke almost succumbs to despair and takes a suicide pill, but Brandt intervenes, eliminating Dietrich in the process. A heart-wrenching moment unfolds as Mieke requests Brandt to join her in flight, fearing for his life, but he remains steadfast, bound by duty. In a fleeting moment, he proposes to her, a promise she accepts before parting ways.
Time passes, and Brandt perseveres in Berlin, where he receives a package containing a book by Nietzsche, a memento from Mieke. The note reveals a London address, suggesting she survived. In London, Mieke awaits a meeting with Churchill, placing her hand on her abdomen, signifying her pregnancy with Brandt’s child. Back in Doorn, Colonel von Ilsemann brings good news to Wilhelm, who joyfully realizes Mieke has made it to Britain, marking a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.
Timeline
Brandt Assigned to Protection Detail
During the chaos of World War II, Wehrmacht Captain Brandt is assigned to oversee the protection of ex-German Emperor Wilhelm II, who resides at Huis Doorn in the Netherlands. His mission is to ensure the former Kaiser’s safety amid fears of assassination attempts by Allied spies.
Forbidden Romance Begins
Despite receiving strict orders from Colonel von Ilsemann to keep distance from the female staff, Brandt finds himself irresistibly drawn to Mieke de Jong, a maid at the residence. Their heated affair quickly develops, altering the dynamics of Brandt's duties.
Mieke's Secret Revealed
In a moment of vulnerability, Mieke reveals to Brandt that she is of Jewish heritage, which places her in grave danger during the Nazi regime. Brandt coldly advises her to keep this secret hidden, reflecting the chilling reality of their time.
Warning from Gestapo Inspector
Brandt receives a warning from Gestapo Inspector Dietrich about the presence of a British secret agent nearby. Under pressure, Brandt must uncover who among the ex-Kaiser’s staff could be a spy, leading to heightened paranoia within the household.
Himmler's Visit Looms
As the visit of Himmler, the fearsome Reichsführer-SS, approaches, tension escalates within the compound. Brandt begins to suspect that Mieke is involved in something dangerous when he catches the scent of gun oil coming from her quarters.
Mieke's Dark Intentions
Brandt overhears Mieke discussing plans to assassinate Himmler with a village pastor, driven by a personal vendetta stemming from the loss of her father and husband to the SS. This revelation complicates Brandt's feelings and obligations.
Pastor Tortured for Information
Under the brutal hands of the SS, the pastor is tortured to extract information about Mieke’s potential plans. This desperate act showcases the ruthless lengths to which the regime will go, creating an impending sense of dread for everyone involved.
Wilhelm and Hermine Discover the Affair
Wilhelm's wife, Hermine, uncovers the affair between Brandt and Mieke. Rather than condemning them, Wilhelm, reflecting on his own past, chooses to grant leniency, urging them to maintain discretion and navigate the precarious situation carefully.
Escape Plan Formulated
As Himmler prepares to visit, Brandt searches Mieke's room, uncovering the full scope of the danger she is in. Despite pleading with her to escape, Mieke, emboldened by her convictions, chooses to stay, leading Brandt to form a daring escape plan.
Himmler's Invitation
During a tense moment, Himmler delivers an invitation from Hitler to Wilhelm, allowing him a chance to reclaim his throne. Amidst the ambition swirling within the room, Wilhelm is haunted by Himmler's prior remarks about the extermination of disabled children, bringing forward moral questions of loyalty and power.
Brandt's Internal Struggle
Brandt is faced with a profound internal conflict regarding his loyalties and duty as the political climate intensifies. A conversation with von Ilsemann forces him to confront the reality of his country’s existence and his role in the unfolding events.
Mieke's Desperate Offer
Mieke presents Wilhelm with a chance at asylum, supposedly facilitated by Winston Churchill. The pressure mounts as Wilhelm grapples with accepting his dethronement, while Mieke's hope becomes a flickering lifeline amid turmoil.
Daring Escape Execution
As the Gestapo closes in, Brandt executes a risky escape plan under the guise of a heart attack. They flee in a van, but Mieke, nearly succumbing to despair, contemplates suicide, putting their escape on a precarious edge.
The Heart-Wrenching Goodbye
In a heartrending moment, Brandt proposes to Mieke just before they part ways, affirming their bond amidst chaos. Mieke, realizing the weight of their situation, accepts, marking a poignant farewell filled with unspoken promises.
Hope for the Future
Time passes, and Brandt receives a Nietzsche book accompanied by a note from Mieke revealing a London address, indicating her survival. Meanwhile, in London, Mieke prepares to meet Churchill, touching her abdomen, hinting at her pregnancy with Brandt’s child, igniting a glimmer of hope.
Characters
Captain Brandt
Captain Brandt is a complex character torn between duty and love during the chaotic days of World War II. His initial allegiance to the German Empire clashes with his growing affection for Mieke, revealing a man capable of deep emotional connection despite the grim realities of war. His journey reflects the internal struggle many faced in prioritizing loyalty to their country versus personal morals.
Mieke de Jong
Mieke is a determined maid with a fierce spirit, directly confronting the dangers of her Jewish background in Nazi-occupied territory. Her relationship with Brandt showcases her vulnerability and resilience as she navigates her feelings and the dire consequences of her actions. Mieke's quest for justice against the SS for her family's loss showcases her deep-seated desire for revenge and sacrifice.
Colonel von Ilsemann
Colonel von Ilsemann embodies the traditional military authority in a politically fractured environment. He presents the expectations placed upon Brandt and serves as a reminder of the rigid structures of loyalty prevalent during wartime. His character adds to the moral complexities as he balances orders from the higher-ups and the loose dynamics of personal relationships.
Gestapo Inspector Dietrich
Inspector Dietrich is the embodiment of the ominous threat of the Gestapo, representing the dangers lurking within the political environment. His ruthless pursuit of spies illustrates the ever-present fear faced by those in power and opposition alike. As a catalyst for conflict, Dietrich's relentless nature pushes Brandt into moral quandaries.
Wilhelm II
Wilhelm II, the ex-Kaiser, is a relic of a bygone era struggling to adapt in the new world shaped by war and loss. He represents the clash between imperial nostalgia and the harsh realities of defeat. His character adds depth to the narrative, as he navigates the complexities of powerlessness amidst the ongoing chaos of the war.
Setting
Time period
World War II
World War II was marked by massive global conflict, resulting in widespread destruction and the reconfiguration of political landscapes. The era saw the rise of totalitarian regimes, intense military strategies, and a relentless fight against fascism. It was a time of both profound human suffering and heroic resistance, shaping the course of modern history.
Location
Huis Doorn, Utrecht, Netherlands
Huis Doorn is a historic estate located in Utrecht, Netherlands, known for being the residence of the exiled German Emperor Wilhelm II. The estate served as a strategic location during WWII, symbolizing the remnants of imperial power and the changing tides of fortune. Its serene surroundings juxtapose the intense political intrigues taking place within its walls.
Themes
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Forbidden Love
The film explores the theme of forbidden love through the intense affair between Captain Brandt and Mieke de Jong. Their relationship transcends societal norms during a perilous time, highlighting the personal struggles against the backdrop of war. This love not only challenges their loyalties but also places both characters at great risk, emphasizing the heart's desire for connection even amid chaos.
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Conflict and Duty
Conflict and duty are central themes as Brandt wrestles with loyalty to his country versus his feelings for Mieke. These dual obligations depict the moral ambiguity faced by individuals during wartime. As he navigates his orders from superiors and the safety of the woman he loves, the film delves into the sacrifices people make for duty and the repercussions of their choices.
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Espionage
Espionage plays a critical role in the narrative, amplifying tension and paranoia. The constant threat of spies and betrayal looms as Brandt is forced to uncover hidden dangers surrounding the ex-Kaiser. Mieke's hidden heritage and plot to assassinate Himmler further entangle personal stakes with national intrigue, adding layers to the characters' motivations.
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