The German Doctor 2014
Directed by
Lucía Puenzo
Made by
Samuel Goldwyn Films
Plot Summary
As Josef Mengele, who is living under an alias, journeys through the beautiful Argentine landscape in 1960, he becomes obsessively interested in a family’s travels, discreetly monitoring their path to ensure his own safety. His destination points towards the stunning Bariloche in western Patagonia, where he has arranged for a place to stay. Instead of enjoying the peace of solitude, Mengele finds himself captivated by Lilith, the young daughter of the family, who carries the emotional and physical scars of her premature birth as well as the harsh treatment she has faced at school. Recognizing an opportunity, the former Nazi doctor proposes a treatment to enhance her growth—a suggestion that Lilith’s mother, Eva—quickly agrees to, all while keeping the arrangement secret from her husband, Enzo.
As Mengele integrates himself into their daily lives, his intrigue deepens, especially with the news of Eva’s pregnancy, which brings the potential for twin siblings. He meticulously documents every detail related to the family, particularly focusing on Lilith and her transformation under his care. However, as the treatment begins to take its toll, Lilith starts experiencing troubling side effects from the growth hormones, prompting Enzo to demand that Mengele leave the hotel. Tensions escalate quickly, and just as the situation reaches a critical point, Eva goes into labor, requiring Mengele’s assistance for the premature delivery.
When the twins arrive, Mengele’s sinister motivations are cleverly masked, although he becomes increasingly obsessed with his unethical experiments on the newborns. Meanwhile, Nora Eldoc, an observant photographer, is tirelessly pursuing Mengele. She is in contact with a group seeking to apprehend Nazi war criminals, having gathered significant evidence of Mengele’s presence. Yet, despite the solid leads, the hunters proceed with notable sluggishness, giving the former SS officer the opportunity to escape, quietly boarding a sea plane that whisks him away from the scene. Tragically, the fate that befalls Nora only reinforces the chilling nature of Mengele’s legacy: she is brutally murdered mere hours after his departure, her body found buried beneath the snow two days later. Ultimately, Mengele evades justice, living until 1979, when he meets his end in the waters of Brazil.
Timeline
Mengele's Journey Begins
In 1960, Josef Mengele, living under an alias, sets out across the picturesque landscapes of Argentina. His journey is marked by a growing obsession with a particular family's travels, raising concerns for his safety and anonymity.
Destination Bariloche
Mengele's travels lead him to the scenic town of Bariloche in western Patagonia. He has arranged accommodation here, seeking both solitude and a chance to monitor the family's movements without being detected.
Meeting Lilith
In Bariloche, Mengele becomes fascinated by Lilith, the young daughter of the family he is observing. Her emotional and physical scars from a premature birth intrigue him, drawing him deeper into his unethical plans.
The Treatment Proposal
Mengele sees an opportunity when he proposes a treatment to Lilith to enhance her growth. Her mother, Eva, consents to the treatment, eager to help her daughter, but secretly keeps it from her husband, Enzo.
Mengele's Involvement Grows
As Mengele becomes increasingly involved in the family's life, he documents Lilith's progress obsessively. His interest escalates with the news of Eva's pregnancy, anticipating the birth of twins, which feeds his sinister motives.
Side Effects Emerge
Lilith begins to experience troubling side effects from the growth hormones administered by Mengele. This alarming development prompts Enzo to confront Mengele, demanding he vacate their hotel accommodations.
Eva Goes Into Labor
Amid increasing tension, Eva unexpectedly goes into labor, requiring Mengele's dubious assistance for the premature delivery. This puts Mengele's sinister influence front and center during a critical moment for the family.
The Birth of Twins
The birth of the twins occurs under Mengele's watchful eye, where his true motives begin to surface. He remains enigmatic, using the situation to further his unethical experiments, hiding his dark intentions behind a facade of care.
Pursuit by Nora Eldoc
Nora Eldoc, a diligent photographer, pursues Mengele while gathering evidence linking him to Nazi war crimes. She is in contact with organizations focused on hunting down former Nazi officials, raising the stakes for Mengele's already precarious position.
Opportunity to Escape
Despite the concerted effort to apprehend him, Mengele is given a window to escape due to the slow-paced investigation. He quietly boards a sea plane, leaving the scene before the hunters can close in on him.
Nora's Tragic Fate
Tragically, just hours after Mengele's escape, Nora Eldoc is brutally murdered. Her body is discovered days later, buried beneath the snow, illustrating the deadly consequences of Mengele's evasion of justice.
Mengele Evades Justice
Mengele successfully evades capture and continues to live his life in hiding. His ability to escape justice emphasizes the failure of the system to address the crimes of Nazi war criminals.
Mengele's End
Josef Mengele ultimately meets his demise in the waters off Brazil in 1979. His death marks the end of a notorious chapter defined by his cruel experiments and the lasting horrors he left in his wake.
Characters
Josef Mengele
Josef Mengele is a former Nazi doctor living under an alias, driven by his obsession with controlling the lives and fates of those around him. His ethical boundaries blur as he delves into unethical medical experiments on Lilith and her newborn siblings. Mengele embodies the chilling intersection of charm and malevolence, expertly manipulating those around him to achieve his sinister goals.
Lilith
Lilith is a young girl marked by the emotional and physical scars of her premature birth, serving as a focal point for Mengele's obsession. She is both vulnerable and resilient, grappling with the repercussions of her condition and the treatment she receives. Her character illustrates the innocence of childhood juxtaposed against the cold manipulation of an adult's dark desires.
Eva
Eva is the mother of Lilith, characterized by her fierce love and protective instincts. Torn between her desire for her daughter's improvement and the hidden dangers posed by Mengele, she embodies the complexities of maternal instinct in the face of ethical dilemmas. Her actions reflect her desperation and the lengths one may go for family.
Nora Eldoc
Nora Eldoc is an observant photographer investigating Mengele's past, representing the pursuit of truth and justice. Her character showcases bravery and persistence, as she risks her safety in the quest to uncover the former Nazi's whereabouts. Nora's tragic fate serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who challenge hidden evils.
Enzo
Enzo is Lilith's father, who becomes increasingly concerned about the influence of Mengele on his family. His protective nature and moral compass clash with Eva's initial naivety, highlighting the theme of familial conflict under external pressures. As tensions rise, his character represents the struggle to reclaim agency for his family.
Setting
Time period
1960
The events unfold in 1960, a period marked by post-war tensions and the lingering shadows of WWII. Many former Nazis, including Josef Mengele, were fleeing prosecution, hiding within various countries, particularly in South America, where they hoped to escape their past. This historical context enhances the film's themes of evasion and moral ambiguity.
Location
Argentina, Bariloche, Patagonia
The movie is set against the backdrop of beautiful Argentina, specifically in the picturesque Bariloche region of western Patagonia. Known for its stunning lakes and mountains, this area is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers. The serene landscape contrasts deeply with the dark undertones of the story, making it a hauntingly beautiful setting.
Themes
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Ethics
The theme of ethics is central to the narrative as it explores the morally dubious actions of Josef Mengele under the guise of medical treatment. His manipulative relationship with Lilith showcases the grey area between healing and experimentation, raising questions about consent, manipulation, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
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Familial Bonds
Familial bonds are intricately woven into the story, highlighting the dynamics between Eva, Enzo, and their daughter Lilith. This theme accentuates the vulnerabilities families face when confronted with external influences and moral dilemmas, illustrating how love can sometimes blind parents to danger.
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Pursuit of Justice
The theme of pursuing justice manifests through the character of Nora Eldoc and her relentless efforts to expose Mengele. Her investigation represents the broader quest for accountability regarding the atrocities committed during the war, underscoring the challenges faced by those who seek to confront hidden evildoers.
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