Harvey Keitel and Jonah Hauer-King bring to life the true story of Holocaust survivor Lali Sokolov in the Peacock event series, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz”. The series explores Lali’s journey, from his brutal experiences in the concentration camp to his emotional struggles in his 80s, and his enduring love for Gita, a fellow inmate. Keitel portrays Lali in his 80s, reflecting on the horrors of the camp and his love for Gita, while Hauer-King plays the younger Lali, fighting for survival in the camp.
The series is presented in two halves, with the first half following Lali’s experiences in the camp, where he finds his soulmate in Gita after tattooing her arm. Lali and Gita’s love story is one of hope and survival, amidst the brutality and cruelty of the Nazi officers. The second half of the series tracks Lali’s life years after his release from the camp, as he shares his story with author Heather Morris, played by Melanie Lynskey.
The teaser for the series introduces viewers to Lali’s reflective journey, as he sits with Morris and recounts the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Keitel brings depth and emotion to the role, conveying the pain and enduring love Lali feels for his late wife Gita. The score by Hans Zimmer and Kara Telve is haunting, adding to the emotional impact of the scenes.
A Still From The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Photo: The Tattooist of Auschwitz)
The series is an adaptation of Heather Morris’s international bestseller, with some changes to the source material. The presentation of Morris’s visits with Sokolov adds new layers to the story, emphasizing the enduring effect of Auschwitz on Lali and the power of his and Gita’s love story. The series also explores Lali’s hesitation to come forward with his account, and his struggles to trust Morris.
“The Tattooist of Auschwitz” is a powerful and emotional watch, with a courageous and human story that explores the complexities of love and survival in the face of historic horrors. The series premieres on Peacock in May, offering viewers a unique look at the true story of Lali Sokolov and his enduring love for Gita.
