Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quirky drama has language, drinking, Holocaust references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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My Neighbor, Adolf
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In MY NEIGHBOR, ADOLF, Mr. Polsky (David Hayman) is a lonely Polish man in 1960s South America who suspects that his new neighbor, Mr. Herzog (Udo Kier), is in fact Adolf Hitler. Failing to convince the authorities, he starts his own investigation, getting closer to the subject in the hope of uncovering his secret.
Is It Any Good?
Charming and playful in places, suspenseful and tender in others, this uneven but enjoyable drama works mainly thanks to the idiosyncrasies of its two leads. Both Hayman and Kier embrace their characters with gusto in My Neighbor, Adolf -- a film as much about connection and healing as it is about trauma, loss, isolation, and fear. A spirited score adds a layer of eccentricity beyond the acting and peculiar screenplay, and moments of humor keep the tone lighter than its subject matter might usually allow. It's an original concept that offers plenty to entertain, though its overly simplistic ending and meandering tone leave it in danger of losing its impact.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how My Neighbor, Adolf tackles the subjects of Nazis and World War II. What are the two leads' experiences? How did they differ? Were there any similarities? Get some ideas for how to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
Polsky showed curiosity and perseverance. Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times when both might also have a negative effect?
Discuss the strong language used. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How were drinking and smoking depicted? Were they glamorized? Were there consequences? Why does that matter?
The film merges serious topics with humor. Do you think it worked? What are some other films that combine the two, and how do they compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 4, 2022
- Cast : David Hayman , Udo Kier , Olivia Silhavy
- Director : Leon Prudovsky
- Studio : Signature Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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