Jojo Rabbit

This was, as advertised in its poster, an anti-hate movie. It was a feel-good, family-friendly, child-appropriate anti-hate, anti-nazi satire. But it lacked depth. It was a superficially rendered satire designed to make you feel good about yourself. However, narratively, it was contrived, contrite and over-simplistic. Nonetheless Jojo Rabbit was a fun and entertaining way to spend 108 minutes and it did boast great performances by Scarlett Johansson, Taika Waititi, Sam Rockwell, Thomasin McKenzie and Jojo himself, Roman Griffin Davis, and did bring in some genuinely good laughs.

Waititi wrote and directed this "satire" (is it really now?) and kudos to him for getting fantastic performances out of his young cast especially Davis, and Jojo's best friend Yorki played by Archie Yates. However, in his attempt to satirise the anti-hate message of this nazi war film, he somehow lost the heart of the film.

Sure, there was some dramatic moments, but they had no impact nor consequences. They happened, the sad strings play, and then it was over. Could Waititi not have gotten the necessary emotional reactions from Davis? Then perhaps the script needed to be reworked to draw on the expertise of its adult cast. Johansson and Rockwell surely did so in their scenes, and we know McKenzie can nail it too from watching her in Leave No Trace. Alas, Waititi went for the feel-good angle and hence lost out on the emotional depth.

Ironically, Davis' Jojo was also the only character the Waititi provided any real character arc for. All the other characters served to nudge him along his narrative trajectory and he ended up being a protagonist with very little agency. And consequently, the other characters are written as flat, one-dimensional archetypes which can only allow them do so much. As aforesaid, Johansson and Rockwell sure did try. The others like Rebel Wilson, Alfie Allen and Stephen Merchant were really only there to provide sight (and side) gags and easy laughs.

Like I said, this was a child-appropriate film. Not only was it made easy for the most common denominator to understand, it was also pleasing and non-offensive to almost everybody.

Music was by Michael Giacchino and it was appropriate and drove the narrative along, but it was not highly memorable.

Based on what Waititi has achieved, and the popularity of the film, Jojo Rabbit will surely get some Oscar nominations. It will likely sneak in for Best Picture and maybe even Adapted Screenplay and be a long shot for Best Director. Supporting Actress.