Love It Was Not

Love It Was Not is a riveting, emotionally charged documentary released in 2020 that explores an unconventional and heartbreakingly complicated love story set amidst one of the darkest periods in human history - the Holocaust.

The film revolves around the true story of Helena Citron, a Jewish woman from Slovakia, who, along with her sister Roza, was deported to Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi death camp during World War II. Helena is chosen to work in the camp's Kanada Kommando, a special unit assigned to sort through the belongings of incoming prisoners, an agonizing task but one that gives her a slight reprieve from the horrific conditions of the camp. The personalities that bind this terrifying narrative are exceptionally portrayed by the film's actors.

In an ironic twist of fate, Helena catches the attention of Franz Wunsch, a high-ranking SS officer stationed at the camp. Wunsch is drawn to Helena's captivating beauty and a strange bond forms between them, a relationship that defies all logic, norms, and regulations of the camp. What unfolds is no ordinary love story but a deeply tangled tale of survival, humanity, brutality, and perhaps a paradoxical empathy.

The narrative deals delicely with the ethical conundrums and overpowering emotions, highlighting the individual human dimensions that are often buried beneath the grand narrative of the Holocaust. It highlights individual struggles, the complexity of human emotions, and the unimaginable choices people are forced to make in order to survive.

Throughout the film, the audience is given a window into Helena's state of mind and the moral and emotional dilemmas she faced. Was this strange relationship a genuine love story or a desperate attempt at survival? Does love even have a place in such hellish surroundings? The film probes these uncomfortable questions, exploring the grey area between collaboration and survival, between love and manipulation.

In addition to the central storyline, Love It Was Not also provides valuable historical insights into the daily life and realities of Auschwitz. It brings to life a vivid and harrowing picture of the death camp, the inhuman conditions, and the constant fear of death. The film doesn't shy away from presenting the brutalities of Holocaust, serving as a poignant reminder of a horrific period of human history.

The film's director offers a modern perspective on this story through interviews with survivors, historians, and psychologists. Together, they unravel the twisted dynamics of such a relationship, the power imbalances, and the psychological manipulation that might have been at play.

Frank Wunsch, also prominently in the film, delivers a stellar performance. His portrayal encapsulates the cruel paradox of his character — an SS officer capable of human emotions yet complicit in a horrifying regime. The complexity of his character raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of humanity and love in a world that appears to have forsaken both.

Helena Citron, capturing the essence of a strong, resilient woman pushed to her physical and emotional limit, shines in her role. Her emotionally stirring performance keeps audiences engaged, evoking both sympathy and admiration for her character's survival instinct, strength and innate humanity. Her sister, Roza Citron, supporting cast in the film, provides necessary glimpses into the horrifying experiences that punctuated life in the death camps. Her on-screen presence and stark portrayal, though secondary in the plot, deepens the narrative color and context.

Love It Was Not is a gripping account of a unique love story, exploring the boundaries of human emotions in extraordinary circumstances. The film is filled with high-intensity drama, deep emotional undercurrents, and ethically challenging scenarios, making it an intense cinematic experience. It invites the audience into a rarely seen aspect of the Holocaust, opening up a fresh dialogue on love, survival, and the human spirit.

Despite its somber setting and distressing narrative, Love It Was Not resonates with a haunting beauty, reflecting the resilience of the human spirit against all odds. It's a testament to the enduring power of love, even amidst unthinkable atrocities.

While the film might be a challenging watch due to its brutal honesty and emotionally charged content, Love It Was Not is an important addition to the genre of Holocaust narratives, offering fresh perspectives and thought-provoking questions for audiences to ponder long after the credits roll.