Watch Fog in August

Fog in August is a German drama film that was released in 2016. Directed by Kai Wessel, the movie is based on a true story and tells the heart-wrenching tale of a young boy who falls victim to the Nazi's infamous euthanasia program during World War II. The film follows the story of Ernst Lossa, a 13-year-old Romani boy who is sent to a mental institution in 1942 due to his mother's inability to care for him. Although Lossa is not mentally ill, he is deemed “uneducable” by the institution's director, Dr. Werner Veithausen (played by Sebastian Koch). Veithausen is a fervent supporter of Nazi ideology and believes that those who do not fit into the Aryan ideal should be eliminated.

Lossa quickly realizes the danger he is in and befriends a fellow patient named Nandl (played by Jule Hermann) who suffers from a congenital heart defect. Together, they form a bond that helps them navigate the perilous environment of the institution.

Despite the warnings and help of a sympathetic nurse, Frau Adelhaid (played by Fritzi Haberlandt), Lossa eventually falls prey to the euthanasia program. Veithausen orders that he be transferred to another institution, where he will be euthanized without his family's knowledge.

The film is shot in a stark and haunting style that perfectly captures the bleakness of the institution and the desperation of the patients trapped within it. The performances of the actors are outstanding, with Ivo Pietzcker delivering a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Lossa, capturing both his vulnerability and his resilience in the face of extreme adversity.

Sebastian Koch shines as the chillingly detached Veithausen, whose relentless pursuit of Nazi ideals makes him a truly terrifying villain. Jule Hermann also gives a standout performance as Nandl, adding a touch of lightness and hope to the film through her character's determination to survive.

The themes of Fog in August are weighty and thought-provoking, examining issues of morality, discrimination, and the value of human life. It is a confronting and difficult film to watch at times, but is ultimately a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horrors.

Fog in August was well-received by critics and audiences alike, winning numerous awards and nominations, including Germany's Lola Award for Best Children's Film. It is a moving and impactful film that sheds light on a little-known aspect of Nazi history, and is a testament to the power of cinema to educate and illuminate.