Over the last decade, one of the more unique filmmakers has beenTaika Waititi. While best known for his MCUThorfilms, the actor-director’s expert blend of comedy and drama has been next to none. Nowhere is that more apparent than in his beloved World War 2 dramadyJojo Rabbit. Now, the critically acclaimed Oscar winning film is coming toParamount+next month in September.
Jojo Rabbitwill be coming to the popular streaming platform specifically on September 1st. The film is currently rocking a 80% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it made an even more impressive$93.7 million worldwideon a small $14 million budget when it released in 2019. That makes itWaititi’s most successful filmoutside theMarvel universe. This might have something to do with the WW2 backdrop, but despite still having the director’s signature charm and humor,Jojo Rabbitis Waititi’s most grounded/thematically dark film.
What’s ‘Jojo Rabbit’ About?
Based on the bookCaging SkiesbyChristine Leunens,Jojo Rabbitfollows ayoung German boy named Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) during WW2 who has been fed the propaganda of Adolf Hitlerhis whole life like every kid his age. This dictator is someone who he idolizes and just so happens to be his imaginary friend (Waititi). However,when he discovers that his mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl named Elsa in their attic (Thomasin McKenzie), Jojo’s whole world view is destroyed as he’s forced to reconcile with the fact that his false hero is actually one of the worst monsters in history.Jojo Rabbitis such an odd combination of elements, but Waititi’s creative mind is why itworks so well. On paper, telling a WW2 story from a German boy’s perspective is an interesting yet risky venture. Especially when you add thecomedyand the absurdity of Hitler being an imaginary friend. However,the makeup of this film heightens both the humor and the horrific reality of the time. It has some of the funniest moments you’ll watch in a film, as Waititi’s version of Hitler runs around like a madman in Jojo’s mind, but it also has some really disturbing moments. This includes one of the most devastating deaths put on film in the last decade that’ll have your jaw on the floor. It’s that meticulous bending of genres that makesJojo Rabbita must-watch and is one of the more distinct coming-of-age WW2 stories you’ll ever see. The film was also nominated for six Academy Awards,winning Waititi an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
‘Jojo Rabbit’s New Streaming Home
With its new home onParamount+, hopefully more people will discover that Waititi is more than just the guy who made Thor funny. Especially sincethe film is celebrating its 5th anniversary in October. There’s so much heart, humor and relatable soul toJojo Rabbit. That has let itremain relevantdespite its wartime setting.
Jojo Rabbit
