During the Second World War, a young Polish governess, in the service of a high German officer, dares the unthinkable: to hide a dozen Jews under her roof.
It looks too big (and beautiful!), to be true. And yet, the impossible story of Irena Gut Opdyke, a young Polish woman played by a moving Sophie Nélisse, is indeed true. Kind of Schindler’s List in the feminine (on a smaller scale, of course!), Irena’s Vow (Irena’s Promise in French version), Canadian-Polish co-production, recounts his exploit.
The word is weak. Think about it. Barely 19 years old, the young woman, enlisted in the war effort against her will, one day witnesses an unspeakable tragedy. A German officer tramples a child before his eyes (and those of his mother). Deeply upset, Irena made a formal commitment that day: if she can save even one life, she will do it. This is his famous “promise”, of unspeakable goodness but which, in context, borders on madness. Even unconsciousness.
But otherwise what? Do we give up, do we capitulate? The question haunts the viewer throughout this feature film of great humanity, directed with great modesty by Louise Archambault (It was raining birds, The time of a summer) and filmed in Poland, ironically, just as the war in Ukraine had just broken out. Irena’s bias, we will understand, is a bias for hope, resistance, in short, life.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY PRODUCTION
Scene from the movie Irena’s Vow
A word, here, about the music, heartbreaking in circumstances, at times sweet, or downright distressing, by Alexandra Stréliski, which magnificently envelops the plot.
If the ploy to save this group of 12 Jews seems far-fetched in parts, we can only support the proposal, knowing that it is inspired by real-life facts: air vent, tunnel, secret room, everything it existed.
Irena hid them where they would be least looked for: in the cellar of the villa of the German officer (revolting Dougray Scott) where she worked. Yes, they actually helped her with tasks (cooking, cleaning) around the house!
That said, is it because Sophie Nélisse’s acting (and accent!) is so convincing? Still, we believe a little less in that of his unfortunate refugees, too calm and casual on the screen. Not to mention the risks, often reckless, that they seem to take, as if they were unaware of the danger hovering over their heads.
Otherwise, on the distribution side, let us highlight the presence of Andrzej Seweryn (Schindler’s List), secondary character with a great presence, with survival advice as wise as it is chilling. “See nothing, hear nothing, speak nothing”… Almost inhuman advice, which will ultimately make it possible to achieve the superhuman.
A word of advice: stay until the credits roll. And we challenge you not to leave with a smile on your face, a heart full of hope. These days, it’s going pretty well.
Irena’s Vow is presented in the original English version, in the original version with French subtitles as well as in the French dubbed version.
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war drama
Irena’s Vow (V. F.: Irena’s Promise)
Louise Archambault
With Sophie Nélisse, Dougray Scott, Andrzej Seweryn, Maciek Nawrocki
2:01 a.m.