I honestly didn’t think we were ever going to get round to watching this film despite both of us being pretty excited about it. From me finishing work too late for us to get to the cinema on time, to one (or both) of us being too lazy to even leave the house, to the one occasion where we were all ready to purchase our tickets only to find that the screening was fully booked. Note to self: book in advance.

Anyway, long story short, by the time we finally sat down to watch Jojo Rabbit all I was worried about was whether it was going to be worth the wait…..

It’s 1944 in Nazi Germany and Johannes ‘Jojo’ Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis) is a typical ten year old boy, you know; eager to please, enjoys playing with his friends both real and imaginary, and excited about going to a camp for the weekend. Although for Jojo, camp is a Nazi Youth camp ran by the somewhat jaded Captain Klenzendorf (Sam Rockwell) and his imaginary friend is the Fuhrer himself, Adolf Hitler, hysterically played by director Taika Waititi.

Jojo’s whole world is turned upside down and his blind, naïve nationalism is out to the test when he discovers the Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) that his mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding in a cavity in the walls.

Torn between protecting his mother and serving his country, Jojo decides that he can help the war effort by writing a book teaching people about that monstrous species; The Jew. But, in order to learn he has to get close to one.

The Second World War is a topic that has pretty much been done to death, yet Waititi manages to breath hilarious new life into a rather tired subject matter, with a somewhat Wes Anderson air. This satirical masterpiece will have you laughing, crying and, at times, on the edge of your seat in suspense.

Featuring a great ensemble cast including the likes of Alfie Allen (GoT), Stephen Merchant (Logan) and Rebel Wilson (Pitch Perfect) alongside the ever-brilliant performances from Johansson and Rockwell. However, the stars of this film were, without a doubt the central trio of Waititi, Griffin Davis and McKenzie.

As well as the directorial responsibility, Waititi also takes on the rather controversial role of Adolf Hitler absolutely nails it. He takes the idea of Hitler being Jojo’s imaginary friend and really runs with it, giving a portrayal that we never thought we’d see but now can’t live without. He honestly steals the show every singe scene he’s in.

Despite the star-studded cast, the entire balance of the film rests on the shoulders of the two new young up-and-comers. McKenzie is delightfully sweet and playful, yet eerily sinister at times. I do feel as though they could have played a little more to the emotion of her situation, from what I can see, she is more than capable of handling a little more depth to the character.

As a character, Jojo sparkles in his innocence, burdened with a sense of responsibility to both his family and his country. He is a layered character who is just trying to find his place in the world and Roman Griffin Davis plays it beautifully. I feel he has a bright and glittering future ahead of him and I am excited to see where he goes in the future.

I can’t talk about the actors and not mention Archie Yates, who plays Jojo’s best friend, Yorki. Sweet, innocent and totally adorable, Yorki doesn’t really understand why everyone is fighting but he goes about his duties anyway and is really supportive of his friend Jojo. Yates and Davis bounce really well off of each other and were a great comedic duo. So, if anyone in Hollywood is planning something that needs child versions of Nick Frost and Simon Pegg, you’ve got your actors. Honestly, they are hilarious together.

So, if you are looking for something light hearted, yet also a little thought provoking, then you must give Jojo Rabbit a watch.

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