In Toronto, Canada, Scarlett Johansson was the talk of the town at the Toronto film festival as she showcased two movies, one of which was the world premiere of “Jojo Rabbit,” a satirical comedy that pokes fun at the Nazis. The film, directed by Taika Waititi of “Thor: Ragnarok” fame, centers on a German boy during World War II who imagines Adolf Hitler as his imaginary friend.
Promoted as a “satire against hate,” the movie revolves around a young boy who is a member of the Hitler Youth and takes pleasure in wearing Nazi uniforms and burning books. However, he soon finds out that his mother (played by Johansson) has secretly sheltered a Jewish girl in their attic. According to Johansson, the film’s comedic approach and the perspective of a child offer a fresh and unique way for viewers to understand the gravity of the atrocities committed during that period.
According to Scarlett Johansson, Taika Waititi’s script for “Jojo Rabbit” is a masterpiece, with Waititi himself adding that the film’s release comes at an important time in today’s political climate. The director believes it is crucial to address and revisit stories related to hate groups, especially with patterns from the 1930s repeating themselves. Johansson also made an appearance on the red carpet for “Marriage Story,” which received positive reviews at the Venice premiere. Adam Driver, who stars opposite Johansson, has been praised for his performance and tipped for an Oscar. “The Goldfinch,” based on Donna Tartt’s Pulitzer-winning novel, also premiered at the festival, with director John Crowley commenting on the difficulty of filming a terrorist attack scene without referencing real-life events. The Toronto International Film Festival will run until September 15.