We’re still learning about the heroes who stood tall against the Nazi regime.
The latest yarn ripped from the history books is “Truth & Treason,” an impeccably produced tale steeped in faith. Google the real story, and the ending won’t come as a shock. It’s still an enthralling tale filled with the kind of nuance missing in some Nazi-era stories.
Young Helmuth Hübener (Ewan Horrocks) is the prototypical “good German” during World War II. He’s young and talented, and he’s eager to use his intellect to help the Third Reich. He loves his homeland, after all, and local news reports cover up the truth about, well, everything.
That changes when a Jewish friend disappears under mysterious circumstances. Helmuth also finds a radio that allows him to hear forbidden broadcasts from outside the Nazi bubble. He quickly learns the true nature of the war and yearns to fight back.
He starts mass-producing leaflets that share the truth about the Nazi regime, spreading them across his neighborhood with the help of two dear friends. His persuasive writing makes the leaflets all the more effective, drawing the ire of local officials.
No one knows about his campaign, not even his parents. Can he stay under the Nazi’s radar long enough to make a difference?
“Truth & Treason” embraces its hero’s faith and how it intersects with his dangerous mission. What Christian could sit by and watch his country crumble under Hitler’s boot? The film is never preachy, but it directly connects our hero’s faith with his actions.
That nimble touch often eludes filmmakers. Not here.
Director/co-writer Matt Whitaker establishes Helmuth’s friend circle with care, capturing moments that make the characters more than historical stand-ins. Horrocks brings a youthful enthusiasm to the part, and when his character strikes up a romance with a co-worker, it’s heartbreaking.
We know this relationship is doomed, but Whitaker lets it play out for our consideration. This is just part of what the lad gives up by refusing to stay silent.
It’s equally hard to watch Helmuth’s father decry his son’s quest for the truth.
This isn’t a thriller by any definition, but a few scenes crackle as Nazi soldiers chase Helmuth down after handing out his latest leaflet.
One voice against the silence of fear. Helmuth Hübener risks everything to speak the truth.
Watch Ewan Horrocks as Helmuth Hübener in Truth & Treason in theaters October 17 pic.twitter.com/PN3WiLvM6b— Angel (@AngelStudiosInc) October 5, 2025
It’s easy to demonize German officials for their complicity in the Nazi nightmares, but “Truth & Treason” gives grace to the film’s ostensible villain. Rupert Evans plays Erwin Mussener, the Nazi officer tasked with squeezing young Helmuth hard enough to give up his co-conspirators.
Erwin’s family gets a brief, and harrowing back story that fleshes out his character. And when things look grim for Helmuth, Erwin’s reactions prove achingly human. Evans plays those contradictions perfectly.
That element, along with our hero’s assured faith, makes “Truth & Treason” one of the best WWII films in some time.
HiT or Miss: “Truth & Treason” delivers powerful lessons on faith, resilience and heroism in the darkest hours.