‘I Had Never Heard This Story Before’: The ‘Super Intense’ Netflix War Film Based On A True Holocaust Story Is Leaving Viewers Deeply Moved

A young nurse risked everything to save 12 Jewish people from Nazi persecution during the Second World War. Her extraordinary acts of courage are now brought to life in Irena’s Vow, a powerful 2023 war drama that has left viewers praising its emotional impact, outstanding performances and harrowing depiction of history.

Now streaming on Netflix, the film tells the remarkable true story of Irena Gut Opdyke, a Polish nurse who refused to stand by while innocent people faced almost certain death under Nazi occupation.

A Young Nurse Who Risked Everything To Save 12 Lives

Set in Poland during the 1940s, Irena’s Vow takes viewers into one of the darkest periods of the Second World War, when Jewish communities faced brutal persecution under Nazi rule.

At the centre of the story is Irena Gut Opdyke, played by Sophie Nélisse, best known for her role in Yellowjackets and her appearance in The Book Thief.

Working as a housekeeper for German Army officer Major Eduard Rügemer, Irena secretly sheltered 12 Jewish people in the basement of the household where she was employed.

It was an extraordinary act of defiance. Every day, the people hiding beneath the house depended on her courage, while discovery could have put every one of their lives in immediate danger.

Her story is one of countless acts of wartime heroism, but her determination to protect those in danger would eventually earn her international recognition.

Irena was later honoured as a Righteous Among the Nations in Jerusalem for saving 12 Jewish people during the Holocaust.

The Disturbing Price Behind Her Extraordinary Courage

However, the film does not present Irena’s story as a simple tale of bravery and survival.

One of its most troubling turning points comes when Major Rügemer discovers the 12 Jewish people she has been hiding.

Rather than expose her secret, he agrees to protect them. But his decision comes with a deeply disturbing condition: he demands a sexual relationship with Irena in exchange for keeping her secret.

The situation adds another layer of danger to an already desperate struggle for survival, highlighting the horrific power imbalance Irena faced even while trying to save others.

Her personal sacrifices were immense, making the story all the more difficult to watch.

Eventually, Irena manages to escape to Allied Germany. She later meets her future husband and emigrates to America, where she begins a new chapter of her life.

Viewers Praise The Film’s Powerful Performances

Sophie Nélisse’s portrayal of Irena has attracted considerable praise, with audiences particularly impressed by the emotional weight she brings to the role.

One Rotten Tomatoes viewer described her performance as “outstanding”.

Another viewer, clearly moved by the story, wrote:

“Wow what a powerful, beautiful story. I’d never heard of this, and I do so like that it was based on true events. It also had exceptional acting by all. Give it a look, I’m sure you’ll like it.”

The film also features Dougray Scott, Agata Turkot, Andrzej Seweryn and Irena Melcer.

Not every reaction has focused solely on its emotional strength. Some viewers have also highlighted the film’s particularly graphic depiction of wartime violence.

One audience member warned:

“Superb film! Very intense violence in a couple of places … thus the “R” rating is justified. However, the depiction of Nazi beastial anger seems authentic.”

The film’s unflinching approach to the subject matter is clearly not easy viewing, but for many, that intensity is part of what makes Irena’s story so affecting.

Critics Compare It To Schindler’s List

The film has also received attention from critics, with Radio Times praising the performances of Nélisse and Scott.

Its review stated:

“Excellent performances – especially from Yellowjackets star Sophie Nélisse as Irena and Dougray Scott as her Nazi boss – elevate some skimpily scripted characters, but the compelling nature of an almost unbelievable true story keeps you gripped.”

Another critic drew a comparison with Schindler’s List, pointing to the film’s “vignettes of goodness and hope”.

Written by Dan Gordon, Irena’s Vow also shares its story with a Broadway production of the same name, bringing this remarkable chapter of Holocaust history to audiences in two different formats.

Ultimately, the film’s most powerful element is the real woman behind the story: someone who chose to put herself in danger to protect 12 people whose lives depended on her.

Irena’s Vow (2023) is streaming now on Netflix.