War Is Hell In This Netflix Adaptation Of The Classic Novel

“There’s no such thing as an anti-war film,” or so goes the popular quote commonly attributed to French filmmaker and critic François Truffaut, at least. I tend to respectfully disagree, especially when storytellers (and audiences, for that matter) prove that they have a firm understanding pf how depiction doesn’t automatically equal endorsement. This new trailer for “All Quiet on the Western Front” makes it painfully clear just how harrowing and traumatic and pointless all the death and devastation resulting from a conflict like World War I really was, as shown through the viewpoint of those who were on the front lines.

Directed by German filmmaker Edward Berger and written by Ian Stokell in his feature film debut, this new adaptation stars Felix Kammerer as main character Paul, Albrecht Schuch as Kat, Moritz Klaus as Frantz Müller, Aaron Hilmer as Albert Kropp, Edin Hasanović as Tjaden Stackfleet, Adrian Grünewald as Ludwig Behm, Devid Striesow as General Friedrichs, and familiar face Daniel Brühl as Matthias Erzberger. 

All Quiet on the Western Front tells the gripping story of a young German soldier on the Western Front of World War I. Paul and his comrades experience first-hand how the initial euphoria of war turns into desperation and fear as they fight for their lives, and each other, in the trenches. The film from director Edward Berger is based on the world renowned bestseller of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque.

The film received a limited release in theaters earlier this month and is set for its Netflix streaming debut on October 28th, 2022.