Title: Sarah’s Key
Directed by: Gilles Paquet-Brenner
Starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Mélusine Mayance, Niels Arestrup, Frederic Pierrot and Aidan Quinn
Running time: 111 minutes, Rated PG-13, Available on Blu-ray
Based on the international bestselling novel by Tatiana de Rosnay is the story of Julia, an American journalist living in Paris who is writing an article on the anniversary of France’s notorious 1942 Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup of Jews in World War II. Julia (Kristin Scott Thomas) discovers that her French husband’s family’s apartment belonged to the Starzynski family, who were involved with the roundup and sent to concentration camps. In order to get a more personal feel to her pending article, and for peace of mind, she digs deeper into the events that occurred; she uncovers some disturbing secrets about Sarah. In order to protect her little brother before the roundup, Sarah Starzynski (Mélusine Mayance), a 10 year old girl who locks her little brother in a closet when the police show up to send them to Vel’ D’Hiv, thinking they will return home soon to let him out. Unfortunately they are shipped off to the camps, but she made a promise to her brother that she would come back for him. Sarah holds the key to the cabinet, her only possession and link to her home.
I was very surprised to learn that the events at Vel’ D’Hiv occurred, and that the Germans were not the only people involved in the roundup of Jews; I blame the LA County school district for neglecting to teach this and for making me feel ignorant. The film is very jarring, but it needs to be seen. The story revolves around fictional characters, but the events are unfortunately true. I would suggest schools show this film alongside Schindler’s List when they are learning about the holocaust.
The bonus feature is a “Making-of” featurette which is over an hour long – completely in French.
Sarah’s Key is almost entirely in French, so viewers be prepared for some reading; although the acting was really exceptional. It’s an emotionally powerful experience. The scenes involving the mothers being separated from their children at the camp was horrific, and Sarah’s son (Aiden Quinn) learning of his mother’s secret past was so intense, and both felt very real. I’m completely depressed writing this review, but I’m glad I saw this film.
Total Rating: A
Reviewed by: JM Willis
