Get ready to be captivated by a cinematic triumph—Russell Crowe’s latest film, Nuremberg, has just shattered expectations, earning a staggering 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. But here’s where it gets controversial: while audiences are raving, critics are split, leaving us to wonder—is this Crowe’s most polarizing role yet?**
In this gripping WWII biopic, Crowe delivers a career-defining performance as Hermann Göring, Adolf Hitler’s second-in-command and a central figure in the Nuremberg trials. The film follows American psychologist Douglas Kelley (played by Rami Malek), who must assess Göring’s mental fitness to stand trial. It’s a story that blends history, psychology, and moral complexity, leaving viewers both riveted and reflective.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite initial critical skepticism—with the film opening at a mere 40% on Rotten Tomatoes after its TIFF premiere—it has since soared to a 68% critical score, a 28-point leap. Audiences, however, have been unwavering in their praise, catapulting it to Crowe’s highest-rated film since L.A. Confidential. So, what’s behind this divide? Some reviewers cite pacing issues and tonal inconsistencies, with ScreenRant’s Gregory Nussen calling it ‘consistently confusing.’ Yet, the film’s powerful narrative and Crowe’s commanding presence seem to overshadow these flaws for many.
Here’s the bold prediction: Crowe’s portrayal of Göring is already generating Oscar buzz, potentially marking his first Academy Award nomination since 2002’s A Beautiful Mind. But is Hollywood ready to celebrate a performance that humanizes one of history’s most notorious figures? This question alone could spark heated debates.
As award season heats up ahead of the March 15, 2026, Academy Awards, Nuremberg is poised to become a major contender. Meanwhile, Crowe shows no signs of slowing down, with four more films in the pipeline, including Billion Dollar Spy and The Beast in Me. Malek, too, is keeping busy with The Man I Love.
Directed by James Vanderbilt and clocking in at 148 minutes, Nuremberg is now in theaters, offering audiences a chance to witness Crowe’s most daring performance yet. But here’s the real question: Does the film glorify or challenge our understanding of history? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!