Taika Waititi‘s next film, Jojo Rabbit, features the director also playing an imaginary Hitler, in a satire whose initial teaser looked as absurd as its premise sounds. It’s a perfectly silly and wonderful idea from one of our favorite filmmakers, but its first full trailer promises a whole lot more than a ridiculous führer and a great cast. It focuses on the touching and moving story of a young boy who must overcome his personal hatred to help save someone, in a movie with a timely message for today’s world. And it also features some amazing German covers of iconic pop songs.
The Thor: Ragnarok director’s newest movie, which he also wrote, is based on author Christine Leunens’ Caging Skies. It’s “a World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy (Roman Griffin Davis) whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler, Jojo must confront his blind nationalism.”
While there are plenty of hilarious visuals, costumes, and jokes in this trailer (many of which involve Sam Rockwell being funny just by standing there), this trailer focuses more on the self-discovery of Hitler Youth member Jojo. Despite being set during WWII, his struggle against being taught to hate others versus what he experiences himself is very much a tale for 2019.
But as good as the story, cast, and humor look here, if this trailer were nothing but those German renditions of The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” and David Bowie’s “Heroes” playing over the title of the film we’d be excited to see it. We hope the entire soundtrack are German covers of 20th century pop songs. Who could hate that?
Also starring Rebel Wilson, Stephen Merchant, and Alfie Allen, Jojo Rabbit will have its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, before coming to theaters on October 18.
Featured Image: Fox Searchlight