Netflix’s Emotional World War II Drama Is Leaving Viewers Devastated — And Its Tragic Story Is Based on Real Events

Some war films stay with audiences long after the final scene, and The Bombardment is proving to be one of them. Inspired by a devastating chapter of World War II history, this Danish drama tells the story of an air raid in Copenhagen that went horribly wrong, with a school full of children caught in the tragedy. Its heartbreaking subject matter and emotionally powerful storytelling have left many viewers deeply affected.

Also known as The Shadow in My Eye and Skyggen i mit øje, the 2021 film was written and directed by Ole Bornedal. It focuses on Operation Carthage, a Royal Air Force (RAF) mission targeting German Gestapo headquarters in Copenhagen during the Second World War. In a tragic mistake, the nearby Institut Jeanne d’Arc school was also bombed, killing children and adults.

The film’s official synopsis captures the devastating premise: “The fates of several Copenhagen residents collide when a WWII bombing mission accidentally targets a school full of children.”

The Real-Life Tragedy Behind the Film

Operation Carthage took place on March 21, 1945, when British aircraft launched an attack on the Shell House, which served as the Gestapo headquarters in Copenhagen. During the operation, one of the attacking aircraft crashed near Institut Jeanne d’Arc. Smoke from the wreckage confused subsequent crews, causing some of them to mistake the school for the intended target.

The consequences were catastrophic. The school was struck and destroyed, with 86 children and 18 adults losing their lives there. The incident remains one of the most tragic episodes of the German occupation of Denmark.

Rather than presenting the war solely through military operations, The Bombardment focuses on the ordinary people whose lives were caught up in the disaster. Its story brings together several Copenhagen residents, showing how a single devastating event can change countless lives.

A Strong Cast and Powerful Critical Reception

The film features an ensemble cast led by Alex Høgh Andersen, Fanny Bornedal, Ella Josephine Lund Nilsson, Ester Birch, Danica Curcic, Susse Wold, Bertram Bisgaard Enevoldsen, Malena Lucia Lodahl, Alban Lendorf, Caspar Phillipson and Patricia Schumann.

Since arriving on Netflix on March 9, 2022, The Bombardment has attracted considerable attention for its performances, visual storytelling and unflinching portrayal of wartime suffering.

Its critical reception has been particularly strong. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists the film with a 100% Tomatometer score from 10 reviews, alongside a 90% audience score.

One critic described it as a “haunting and visceral” film that remains in the viewer’s mind long after it ends. Another praised its thoughtful approach, while acknowledging that its confronting subject matter may not be suitable for everyone.

A further review highlighted the film’s emotional weight, noting that its depictions of violence and injustice make for difficult viewing, but that the story remains important because of the way it portrays the brutality of war.

Viewers Say the Film Left Them Emotionally Wrecked

Audience reactions have been just as intense. Several viewers have praised the film for drawing them into the characters’ lives and making the tragedy feel painfully immediate.

One viewer admitted that they initially expected a slow-paced drama, only to find themselves completely absorbed by the story and performances. They also praised the filmmakers for making audiences feel as though they were experiencing the events alongside the characters.

Another described being transfixed from beginning to end, singling out the children and adult characters as particularly memorable. They found the story deeply moving, while warning that some scenes would be difficult for sensitive viewers.

Perhaps the most emotional response came from a viewer who called the film one of the best war dramas they had seen. They praised the way it builds an emotional connection with the children, explaining that they laughed and cried alongside the characters before being left sobbing by the conclusion.

For many, that emotional impact is what makes The Bombardment so memorable. Its story is difficult to watch, but it also draws attention to a lesser-known tragedy and the innocent lives caught in the violence of war.

The Bombardment is currently listed on Netflix, although availability may vary by region.