C'Mon, Punch a Nazi Already!

The true story behind The Zookeeper’s Wife should be told: During Germany’s occupation of Poland from 1939 to 1945, the husband and wife who owned the Warsaw Zoo used their caged basement to shelter over 300 fleeing Jews. It’s a remarkable piece of history, which is what makes Niki Caro’s clumsy adaptation of Diane Ackerman’s 2007 book so disappointing.

First, there’s Jessica Chastain’s role as Antonina Żabiński, the titular zookeeper’s wife. Antonina’s incandescent purity manifests in her love of animals, which is pretty much her only defining characteristic. Also, Chastain’s Polish accent is bad. It makes her sound like a sexy baby which, coupled with Antonina’s unwavering kindness, reduces the smart, courageous, and complicated woman.