London Mums Magazine was recently granted an early look at Desperate Journey, a harrowing new film based on a true story that charts the incredible odyssey of Freddie, a young Jewish man fleeing Vienna for the safety of England.
The film opens with the chilling onset of the Nazi occupation of Austria, forcing Freddie’s parents into an impossible choice. In a moment that will resonate deeply with any parent, they secure a single ticket for safe passage to the United States. In a heart-wrenching decision, they send their younger son to America, while Freddie, displaying a courage far beyond his years, must embark on a dangerous, uncertain overland journey to England.
Freddie’s escape leads him to a morally complex and treacherous world in occupied Paris. His fluency in German becomes both a tool for survival and a source of danger, as he finds work in a decadent burlesque club, enticing German officers to spend money. This role, walking a tightrope between collaboration and resistance, is where the film finds its tense, beating heart. He navigates a labyrinth of alliances, from a beautiful and mysterious dancer to shadowy figures in the French Resistance who recruit him for espionage, all while desperately saving funds to continue his journey.
The direction by Annabel Jankel is a revelation. While known for the cyberpunk style of Max Headroom, Jankel demonstrates a masterful handle on historical drama. The film is visually stunning and relentlessly tense, with a colour palette that drains of hope as the Nazi grip tightens. The performances are uniformly powerful, particularly from the actor portraying Freddie, whose transformation from a frightened boy to a cunning survivor is profoundly moving.
Desperate Journey does not shy away from the brutal realities of the era. There are scenes of profound cruelty and loss that are reminiscent of Schindler’s List in their unflinching power, making it an emotionally demanding watch. Yet, these moments are never gratuitous; they serve to highlight the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
This is more than a historical thriller; it is a poignant story of familial sacrifice and the fierce will to live. We highly recommend Desperate Journey for its powerful storytelling, exceptional filmmaking, and the vital, emotional history it brings to light. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices parents make for their children’s safety.
The trailer
I am a mother of two teenagers and a London Mums magazine’s contributor. I review attractions, movies, restaurants, toys. In my profile picture, I am together with my partner in crime and London Mums’ editor Monica Costa.
