Dir: Silvio Soldini, Italy/Belgium/ Switzerland, 2025, 123 mins, In German with English sub-titles
Cast: Elsa Schlott, Max Riemelt, Alma Hasun, Emma Falck, Olga von Luckwald, Thea Rasche, Berit Vanderbilt, Kriemhild Hamann
Review by Carlie Newman
Suddenly she is taken by the SS to join six other women who are forced to taste food which Hitler will later eat. After eating, they have to sit for one hour longer to make sure the food is not poisoned.
Based on the award-winning, bestselling book ‘At the Wolf’s Table’ by Rosella Postorino, The Tasters reconstructs the true story of the women coerced into being food tasters for Adolf Hitler towards the end of World War II. It’s based on the true story of Margot Wolk, a survivor.
It’s autumn 1943. The captured women, including Rosa, are taken to Wolf’s Lair, the Nazi headquarters. The women are given no choice and are very scared of dying. But they are also hungry and eat the vegetarian food given (Hitler is a vegetarian at this time). Friendships form between the women. Rosa has an affair with the chief Nazi officer, (Max Riemelt).
The film is well directed by Silvio Soldini and the six actresses and Rosa show their differences clearly. It’s hands-over-mouths as we watch the women pick at and then devour their food. Terrifying for them and scary to watch. It’s a well-made thrilling film and recommended.
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