If you ask the gambling crowd, “1917” is the odds-on favorite to win the Best Picture Oscar at this weekend’s 92nd Academy Awards. Most betting lines are touting “Parasite” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” as the next most likely winners.
Here at Flatland, though, one of the long shots has emerged as an in-house favorite.
“Jojo Rabbit” tells a fanciful tale of a young German boy in the waning days of World War II. Inevitably shaped by the propaganda that has engulfed his life, the boy concocts a doofy version of Adolf Hitler as his imaginary friend. Events then conspire to force him to question his beliefs.
A boldly spun screenplay, terrific acting and sharp cinematography mark “Jojo Rabbit” as an Oscar contender. Even more so, the movie explores ideas that feel uncomfortably contemporary.
“Jojo Rabbit” sticks with you.
Emily Woodring elaborates in the attached Art House review.