If you’re an animal lover the first 30 minutes of this film will touch you deeply. The story starts in 1939 Poland, where the titular character (Jessica Chastain) and her husband () lovingly care for the inhabitants of the Warsaw Zoo. When the Nazi’s invade, their secret mission to shelter Jews takes the story in a dark direction. All of the actors are strong and director Niki Caro has created a mostly-compelling experience. The inhumane treatment by the Germans cast the appropriate despair and the brave actions by the zookeepers are intrepid. Even though the subject matter has been covered many times, this film still manages to tell this true tale in with potent results.
(4 / 5)