A powerful new feature film is in development—“Angel of Death”, a Holocaust drama based on the real-life experiences of Dr. Miklós Nyiszli, a Hungarian Jewish pathologist who was forced to perform medical experiments under the supervision of the infamous Nazi doctor Josef Mengele. The film, currently being developed by acclaimed Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski, will star and be co-written by Shia LaBeouf.
The Plot: A Survivor’s Conflicted Role in Auschwitz
Set in 1944, during the Nazi occupation of Hungary, “Angel of Death” follows the story of Dr. Miklós Nyiszli, who is deported to Auschwitz with his family. While most Hungarian Jews were executed upon arrival, Nyiszli was spared for a chilling reason: his medical skills.
Designated as Mengele’s personal pathologist, Nyiszli was forced to perform autopsies and assist with so-called “scientific research” on fellow prisoners. The film will focus on the intense moral dilemma, emotional toll, and ethical complexity of his survival.
Cast and Creative Team
- Shia LaBeouf will not only portray Dr. Miklós Nyiszli but also co-write the screenplay, originally circulating under the title A8450, M.D. (Nyiszli’s prisoner number).
- Jerzy Skolimowski, known for critically acclaimed films such as EO and Essential Killing, is directing the film. His minimalist style and intense storytelling are expected to lend gravitas to the historical subject matter.
Based on a True Account: Dr. Miklós Nyiszli
Dr. Nyiszli survived Auschwitz and later documented his experiences in the chilling memoir Auschwitz: A Doctor’s Eyewitness Account. His account provides rare, firsthand insight into the operations of the Sonderkommando (inmate laborers forced to work in the crematoria) and Mengele’s horrific experiments.
Nyiszli’s story isn’t just about survival; it’s about moral conflict, complicity under duress, and the psychological toll of witnessing genocide.
Production Timeline & Status
- The project is currently in pre-production, with autumn 2025 targeted as the beginning of principal photography.
- Producers are seeking funding through sources like the Polish Film Institute and other European partners.
Themes and Vision
“Angel of Death” stands out for its psychological and philosophical depth. Rather than a conventional WWII drama, the film delves into:
- The gray zones of morality under totalitarian regimes
- The emotional cost of survival
- The haunting intimacy between a victim and his oppressor
Given Skolimowski’s artistic legacy and LaBeouf’s intense performance style, Angel of Death is expected to be both unflinching and emotionally raw.
Why “Angel of Death” Matters
With growing global interest in historically grounded, character-driven stories, Angel of Death promises to be one of the most compelling and controversial films on the horizon. For actors, filmmakers, and storytellers, this project represents an opportunity to engage in one of the most nuanced portrayals of Holocaust survival ever attempted on screen.
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To audition for a role in “Angel of Death,” stay tuned to Project Casting. We’ll keep you posted as soon as casting opportunities become available.
