Lucía Puenzo’s 2013 film, “The German Doctor,” also known by its original Spanish title “Wakolda,” presents a haunting and unsettling narrative set against the backdrop of 1960s Argentina . In a nation that, in the aftermath of World War II, became a refuge for numerous Nazi fugitives, the film weaves a compelling tale of an Argentine family who unknowingly crosses paths with one of history’s most infamous figures: Josef Mengele . This indie production, which garnered attention on the international film festival circuit, including a screening in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes and selection as Argentina’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards, masterfully blends historical context with a chilling fictional encounter . The film immediately establishes an atmosphere of unease, drawing the audience into a story where the truth about a seemingly charming stranger remains hidden from the central characters, creating a dramatic irony that propels the narrative forward.  

From Page to Screen: The Making of “The German Doctor”

The journey of “The German Doctor” from novel to screen is a testament to Lucía Puenzo’s deep connection to her source material . Puenzo not only adapted the screenplay from her 2011 novel, “Wakolda,” but also took on the roles of producer and director, demonstrating a strong authorial vision for the project . This multi-hyphenate involvement suggests a personal investment in translating the nuances of her literary work to the cinematic medium. The genesis of the novel itself lay in Puenzo’s fascination with the idea of an Argentine family encountering a German man during their travels across the desert, with the story primarily focusing on the perspective of the teenage daughter . Puenzo’s initial interest centered more on this family and the young protagonist rather than on Mengele directly, aiming to craft an intimate story about a girl’s unsettling infatuation . Her creative process began by establishing the unique voice and tone of the story before embarking on extensive historical research, which subsequently enriched both the novel and the film . This research included consultations with historians and documentarians, ultimately leading to the inclusion of compelling characters such as Nora Eldoc, a volunteer for the Mossad . This focus on the teenage girl’s perspective, Lilith, provides a distinctive lens through which the film explores themes of innocence, vulnerability, and the seductive nature of evil, offering a fresh approach to a historical figure often depicted through a purely biographical or historical lens.  

Patagonian Landscapes: Setting the Stage for Suspense

The evocative landscapes of Patagonia, Argentina, serve as the primary backdrop for “The German Doctor,” with key filming locations including Bariloche, Río Negro . Buenos Aires also featured as a location during the production . This choice of Patagonia is significant, given its historical reputation as a potential haven for Nazi exiles in the years following the Second World War . The vastness and often isolated nature of the Patagonian terrain, with its “rolling landscapes” , contribute significantly to the film’s atmosphere of isolation and the sense that dark secrets could easily be concealed within its remote corners. The narrative unfolds as the Argentine family embarks on a journey across a desert road, their destination being Bariloche, where they intend to open a lodging house situated by the picturesque Nahuel Huapi lake . This establishment of a lakeside hotel as the central setting creates a confined and intimate space, allowing the tension and the complex relationships between the characters to develop and intensify under close scrutiny.  

International Collaboration: Production and Casting

“The German Doctor” was an international co-production, bringing together the cinematic talents and financial resources of Argentina, Spain, Norway, and France . The film’s cast reflects this international collaboration, featuring actors from Argentina, Spain, and Uruguay . Notably, Natalia Oreiro, who portrays Eva, demonstrated a remarkable commitment to her role by dedicating two months to studying the German language, resulting in over half of her dialogue being delivered in German . This linguistic authenticity adds a crucial layer to her portrayal of a character with German heritage. Lucía Puenzo’s decision to cast Oreiro was influenced by her compelling performance in “Clandestine Childhood” . The casting of Àlex Brendemühl as Josef Mengele presented a particular challenge, requiring an actor fluent in both Spanish and German who also possessed a physical resemblance to the infamous doctor , B3.  

Historical Fiction: Blurring the Lines of Reality

While the film is set in the evocative region of Patagonia and features the notorious Josef Mengele, historical evidence suggests that Mengele himself never actually resided in this specific area. Instead, his post-war exile led him to various locations within Argentina, as well as Paraguay and Brazil . During his time in Argentina, Mengele often operated under his real name or the slightly altered pseudonym José Mengele . Furthermore, the film’s depiction of Nora Eldoc’s demise as a murder orchestrated by Nazis is likely a dramatic embellishment; historical accounts point towards her death being the result of a fall in the mountains . Lucía Puenzo herself has characterized “The German Doctor” as historical fiction, intentionally using the well-documented escape of numerous Nazi war criminals to South America as a compelling backdrop for a fictionalized encounter between Mengele and an unsuspecting family . This approach allows the film to delve into broader themes of secrecy, complicity, and the enduring mythology that surrounds the presence of Nazis in South America, while focusing on the intimate and personal impact of such a figure on the lives of ordinary individuals.  

Synopsis: An Unsuspecting Family and a Shadowy Guest

The narrative of “The German Doctor” unfolds in the year 1960 in the scenic region of Patagonia. Josef Mengele, now living under the alias Helmut Gregor, encounters an Argentine family traveling towards Bariloche . This family consists of Eva, Enzo, and their three children, including their twelve-year-old daughter Lilith, who was born prematurely and is noticeably smaller than children her age . They are embarking on a new chapter in their lives, planning to open a hotel in the Bariloche area . “Helmut Gregor” presents himself as a medical professional and offers his expertise to the family, taking a particular interest in Lilith’s stunted growth and suggesting he might be able to help her .  

Manipulation and Deceit: Mengele’s Insidious Plan

Mengele astutely maneuvers his way into the family’s lives, becoming their first guest at their newly established hotel and even investing financially in Enzo’s doll-making business . He skillfully persuades Eva, without the knowledge of her husband Enzo, to allow him to administer growth hormone injections to Lilith, preying on Eva’s anxieties about her daughter’s physical development . Mengele’s fascination extends beyond Lilith to Eva’s pregnancy with twins, whom he views as ideal subjects for his ongoing research into human genetics, meticulously documenting their progress alongside Lilith’s . These calculated actions starkly reveal Mengele’s manipulative nature and his unwavering dedication to his warped scientific ideals, even while living in hiding. The parallel between his desire to perfect the human form and Enzo’s ambition to create identical dolls subtly underscores the film’s exploration of the dangerous pursuit of an unattainable ideal at the expense of individuality.  

Suspicion and Exposure: The Walls Close In

As Lilith’s health begins to suffer as a consequence of the hormone treatments, Enzo’s initial unease towards “Helmut” intensifies, eventually leading him to demand that the German doctor leave their hotel . Simultaneously, a seemingly ordinary photographer named Nora Eldoc is revealed to be an undercover agent working for the Israeli Mossad. Her mission is to track down Nazi war criminals who have sought refuge in Argentina, and her investigation leads her to suspect that “Helmut Gregor” is not who he claims to be . This parallel development of Enzo’s growing suspicion and Nora Eldoc’s active investigation injects a crucial element of suspense into the narrative, highlighting the increasing danger surrounding Mengele and the imminent threat of his true identity being exposed.  

Premature Birth and a Hasty Escape

In a moment of dramatic irony, Eva goes into premature labor, and the only medical professional readily available to assist in the delivery of her twins is “Helmut Gregor,” the man who had presented himself as a doctor specializing in animal genetics . Mengele seizes this unexpected opportunity to further his twisted experiments, immediately focusing his attention on the newborn twins and meticulously documenting their characteristics . As the walls begin to close in and the risk of his true identity being discovered becomes increasingly apparent, Mengele makes a hasty escape from Patagonia, fleeing aboard a seaplane .  

Epilogue: Justice Evaded

The film concludes with a somber epilogue that reveals the tragic fate of Nora Eldoc, who was brutally murdered the day following Mengele’s escape, her body later discovered buried in the snow . The epilogue also confirms that Josef Mengele successfully evaded justice for many years, ultimately drowning in Brazil in 1979 . This ending underscores the enduring and devastating consequences of Mengele’s presence and the ultimate failure to hold him accountable for his horrific crimes. Nora Eldoc’s murder serves as a stark and tragic reminder of the continued danger posed by Mengele and his network of sympathizers.  

Characters in Focus: Unpacking the Performances

Josef Mengele, under the assumed identity of Helmut Gregor, is portrayed by Àlex Brendemühl as a man who exudes an unsettling charm and sophistication, effectively masking his true nature as the infamous “Angel of Death” from Auschwitz . His seemingly benevolent interest in Lilith’s physical development and Eva’s pregnancy thinly veils his sinister obsession with eugenics and the continuation of his horrific human experiments . Brendemühl’s performance has been widely lauded for its chilling nuance, capturing both the outward affability and the underlying menace of Mengele, making his manipulation of the unsuspecting family disturbingly believable . The film deliberately avoids portraying Mengele as a stereotypical monster, instead presenting him as a complex and deceptive individual whose charm and helpful demeanor serve to mask his truly evil intentions .  

Lilith, portrayed with a captivating innocence by Florencia Bado, is a bright and curious twelve-year-old girl whose physical underdevelopment makes her the primary focus of Mengele’s disturbing attention . Her innocent yearning to grow and fit in with her peers makes her particularly vulnerable to Mengele’s false promises of medical assistance . Bado’s debut performance has been consistently praised for its compelling and unselfconscious depiction of Lilith’s youthful innocence gradually giving way to a dawning awareness of the unsettling events unfolding around her . Lilith’s perspective serves as a vital emotional anchor for the film, allowing the audience to witness the insidious nature of Mengele’s influence through the eyes of a child, subtly exploring the theme of a child’s loss of innocence in the face of unimaginable evil.  

Eva, Lilith’s mother, played with a compelling vulnerability by Natalia Oreiro, is driven by a powerful maternal instinct and a deep desire to help her daughter overcome the social stigma associated with her small stature. This desperation makes her particularly susceptible to Mengele’s seemingly benevolent offers of medical intervention . Her German heritage and her past attendance at a Nazi-supported school in Bariloche create a complex dynamic in her relationship with “Helmut,” potentially contributing to her initial trust in him . Oreiro’s performance effectively conveys Eva’s internal conflict between her fierce protectiveness of her daughter and her growing unease regarding Mengele’s methods and true character . Eva embodies the theme of parental vulnerability and the difficult choices parents make when they believe they are acting in their children’s best interests, while her German background adds a layer of historical and cultural complexity, highlighting the lingering influence of Nazi ideology in post-war Argentina.  

Enzo, Lilith’s father, portrayed with a quiet intensity by Diego Peretti, is initially wary of “Helmut” and his promises of medical cures for Lilith, explicitly forbidding any growth hormone treatments . Mengele cleverly manipulates Enzo by expressing interest in his passion for doll making and investing in his fledgling business, effectively diverting his attention from his growing suspicions . Peretti’s performance effectively conveys Enzo’s mounting unease and his increasing sense of powerlessness as he witnesses Mengele’s insidious influence over his family . Enzo represents the voice of caution and the inherent distrust of the outsider, but his artistic aspirations and financial vulnerabilities make him susceptible to Mengele’s manipulations. The stark contrast between Enzo’s desire to create unique, individual dolls and Mengele’s suggestion to mass-produce identical ones serves as a potent metaphor for the film’s exploration of individuality versus the dehumanizing pursuit of a fabricated ideal.  

Nora Eldoc, played with a quiet determination by Elena Roger, is initially presented as a local photographer but is eventually revealed to be a resourceful Israeli Mossad agent actively engaged in the hunt for Nazi war criminals who have sought refuge in Argentina, with Josef Mengele being a high-priority target . Her suspicions are aroused by “Helmut’s” close ties with the secretive and insular German expatriate community in Bariloche . Despite her diligent efforts to uncover Mengele’s true identity and bring him to justice, she ultimately becomes a tragic victim of his escape, highlighting the formidable challenges faced by those who sought to hold Nazi criminals accountable for their heinous actions . Nora Eldoc embodies the external forces dedicated to seeking justice for the atrocities committed by Mengele. Her presence injects a thriller element into the film and underscores the pervasive fear and danger associated with these escaped war criminals, with her tragic fate emphasizing the enduring reach and ruthlessness of the Nazi network.  

Critical Acclaim and Mixed Reactions

“The German Doctor” was generally well-received by critics, who often lauded its atmospheric tension, compelling performances, and intriguing premise . On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 75% approval rating based on 63 reviews, with an average score of 6.5 out of 10. The critical consensus on the site praises the film’s refreshing restraint and the strong performances delivered by its talented ensemble cast . Metacritic, another review aggregation platform, assigned the film a score of 62 out of 100, based on the opinions of 18 critics, indicating a generally favorable critical response . This overall positive critical reception suggests that the film successfully navigated its sensitive historical subject matter with a nuanced and thoughtful approach, earning praise for its artistic merit and the strength of its performances. The recurring mention of “restraint” in critical assessments implies that the film deliberately avoids sensationalism, opting instead for a more subtle and psychologically driven exploration of its complex themes.  

Praise for Atmosphere and Performances

Reviewers frequently commended the film’s ability to generate a palpable sense of unease and to steadily build a sinister atmosphere throughout the unfolding narrative . The performances of the lead actors, particularly Àlex Brendemühl’s chilling and nuanced portrayal of Josef Mengele, Florencia Bado’s captivating depiction of the young Lilith, and Natalia Oreiro’s layered performance as Eva, were consistently highlighted as significant strengths of the film . The film’s visual aesthetic, particularly the breathtaking cinematography that captured the stunning beauty of the Patagonian landscapes, was also praised for creating a disquieting juxtaposition with the dark and disturbing themes explored within the story . Critics also appreciated the film’s exploration of complex moral ambiguities, including the subtle and often blurred lines between innocence and evil, as well as the theme of complicity in those who unknowingly provide shelter to dangerous individuals . Many reviewers ultimately described “The German Doctor” as an intelligent and unsettling thriller that effectively fictionalizes a disturbing and often overlooked chapter of history .  

Criticisms: Pacing and Subtlety

Despite the generally positive reception, some critics noted certain aspects of the film that they found less compelling. Some reviewers felt that the film’s pacing was slow and deliberate, which at times detracted from the overall sense of suspense . While many praised the film’s subtlety, others felt that its understated approach resulted in a lack of dramatic impact or a less explicit exploration of the horrors associated with Josef Mengele . At least one critic found the family’s initial obliviousness to “Helmut’s” true identity to be somewhat implausible . The recurring symbolic parallels drawn between Mengele’s eugenic ambitions and Enzo’s doll-making business were considered overly obvious and heavy-handed by some reviewers . Finally, a few critics suggested that the film could have delved deeper into Mengele’s motivations and provided a more comprehensive character study .  

Box Office Performance and Release

“The German Doctor” was produced with an estimated budget of $2,000,000 . The film had its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May 2013, where it was screened in the Un Certain Regard section, a category known for showcasing films with unique perspectives and styles . It was subsequently released theatrically in its country of origin, Argentina, in September 2013 .  

Financial Success and Audience Ratings

In the United States and Canada, the film achieved a total gross of $418,392 . During its opening weekend in these territories, it earned a modest $34,259 . On a global scale, “The German Doctor” garnered a worldwide gross of $3,635,718 . Considering its independent film status and relatively modest production budget, the worldwide box office performance of “The German Doctor” can be viewed as a moderate success. The significant disparity between its domestic and international earnings suggests that the film resonated more strongly with audiences outside of North America, likely due to its historical subject matter and the involvement of multiple international production companies.  

Box Office in Argentina: A Closer Look

Information regarding the film’s specific box office performance within Argentina is somewhat limited and conflicting within the provided research material. Data from November 2013 indicates that “The German Doctor” did not rank among the top-performing films in Argentina during that month . Similarly, year-end box office figures for Argentina in 2013 do not prominently feature the film among the highest-grossing releases . However, the online database Wikidata lists a box office figure of $3,018,392 in United States dollars, without specifying the geographical territory to which this figure pertains . While it may not have achieved blockbuster status in its home market, its selection as Argentina’s official entry for the Academy Awards and its international co-production status suggest a degree of domestic recognition and support. Further investigation into Spanish-language film industry resources might provide a more precise understanding of its commercial performance in Argentina.  

Audience Reception Across Platforms

The reception of “The German Doctor” can also be gauged by the ratings it received across various online platforms:

Platform	Critic Score/Rating	Audience Score/Rating
IMDb	–	6.7/10
TMDB	–	(Requires Login)
Rotten Tomatoes	75% (6.5/10)	73% (3.6/5)
Metacritic	62 (Metascore)	7.3/10
MUBI	–	7.1/10
Google Play Movies	–	3.0/5

These ratings collectively indicate a generally positive reception for “The German Doctor” from both professional film critics and general audiences. The scores consistently hover around the 6 to 7 out of 10 range, suggesting that the film was well-regarded and resonated with a significant portion of viewers. While there are slight variations in scores across different platforms, the overall trend points towards a favorable assessment of the film’s quality and its ability to engage its audience.

Ferdosa Abdi’s Final Thoughts on “The German Doctor”

“The German Doctor” is a film that leaves a lasting impression. Lucía Puenzo has crafted a narrative that is both chilling and thought-provoking, relying on a pervasive sense of unease rather than overt horror to explore the insidious nature of evil. Àlex Brendemühl delivers a remarkable performance as Josef Mengele, portraying him with a disturbing plausibility that is far more unsettling than any caricature of villainy. His interactions with the Argentine family, who remain tragically unaware of his true identity, are captivating and deeply unsettling.

A Masterclass in Subtlety and Tension

The film’s strength lies in its nuanced exploration of how evil can infiltrate the ordinary. Puenzo masterfully focuses on the intimate dynamics within the family, highlighting their vulnerabilities and the subtle ways in which Mengele manipulates their desires and insecurities. Florencia Bado’s portrayal of Lilith is particularly poignant, capturing the delicate balance between childhood innocence and a growing awareness of the darkness surrounding her.

Deliberate Pacing and Lasting Impact

While the film’s pacing might be considered deliberate by some, it serves to build a palpable sense of tension and allows for a deeper immersion into the characters’ experiences and the film’s atmospheric setting. The stunning Patagonian landscapes, beautifully captured by the cinematography, provide a stark and unsettling contrast to the unfolding drama, underscoring the hidden dangers lurking beneath a seemingly serene surface.

Conclusion: A Thought-Provoking Historical Thriller

Ultimately, “The German Doctor” stands as a potent reminder of the enduring legacy of the Holocaust and the fact that even in the aftermath of such profound historical trauma, its perpetrators continued to cast long shadows. While Puenzo’s film takes certain liberties with historical fact to serve its narrative, it offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of this dark chapter, inviting audiences to contemplate the complexities of human nature and the ever-present potential for evil to disguise itself in the guise of normalcy.

Film Facts at a Glance: “The German Doctor” (2013)

Category	Detail
Title	The German Doctor
Year	2013
Director	Lucía Puenzo
Writers	Lucía Puenzo (screenplay), Lucía Puenzo (novel)
Main Cast	Àlex Brendemühl, Natalia Oreiro, Diego Peretti, Florencia Bado, Elena Roger
Production Companies	Historias Cinematograficas, Pyramide Productions, Wanda Films, Hummelfilm
Cinematography	Nicolás Puenzo
Editor	Hugo Primero
Music	Daniel Tarrab, Andrés Goldstein
Genre	Thriller, Psychological Drama, History
Country	Argentina, Spain, Norway, France
Runtime	94 minutes
IMDb Rating	6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes	75%
Metacritic	62/100
Box Office (Worldwide)	$3,635,718
Key Themes	Nazi Germany, Josef Mengele, Argentina, Historical Fiction, Medical Experiments, Family, Deception