The Zone of Interest

The film is set during World War II with a backdrop (quite literally) of the Auschwitz concentration camp. As such, the mass murder of Jewish people and other communities is never far away, although it's never actually depicted on-screen. The film is told from the viewpoint of a Nazi family (with the victims of Auschwitz rarely seen), although their position and behavior is never depicted as anything but abhorrent. Antisemitic comments. Jews are spoken about in dehumanizing terms. Polish people are also oppressed (forced to work for the Nazi family). Frank discussion about how to murder huge numbers of Hungarians. Although the mother of the main family is given agency and is strong-minded, she and her husband do revert to traditional and stereotypical family roles; he the breadwinner and she the stay-at-home housewife and mother.

All of the horrid violence and mass genocide happens off camera. But there is a constant sense of threat, and screams, shouting, and gunshots are routinely heard. Plans are discussed in detail about the best way to increase the numbers of people that can be gassed and burned in the concentration camp. Incinerators in the camp are seen burning, with knowledge that they are burning the bodies of victims. A human bone is found in a river. A young child is seen playing with a victim's teeth. Threats. A soldier is seen with old injuries, including a burned and disfigured face and the loss of an arm. Suggestion that a person in power is using a prisoner for sex. An older sibling locks their younger brother in a greenhouse and makes gassing sounds. Modern-day footage of the museum and memorial at Auschwitz shows the actual gas chambers, as well shoes, photos, and other items of the real-life victims. A character dry-wretches but doesn't actually vomit.

Characters are seen in bathing suits. A character appears to be forcing a prisoner to have sex, though nothing is shown. The character is seen washing the prisoner's genitals (no nudity), with suggestion they have just had sex and that the character wants to hide this from their spouse. Character seen shirtless while getting a medical examination. Married couple kiss on the lips. Two teens are seen being affectionate with each other. Character seen in the bath; no nudity.

Jewish people are talked about in dehumanizing ways. Antisemitic comments and slurs are heard, such as "Jewess." "Blood hell" is used a couple of times. "My God" used as exclamation.

A main character is seen smoking cigarettes and cigars on occasion. Two other characters have a smoke together. During a fancy party, people are seen smoking and drinking, but no drunkenness is depicted.