Sophie's Choice
Sophie's Choice
Sophie is the survivor of Nazi concentration camps, who has found a reason to live with Nathan, a sparkling if unsteady American Jew obsessed with the Holocaust. They befriend Stingo, the movie's narrator, a young American writer new to New York City. But the happiness of Sophie and Nathan is endangered by her ghosts and his obsessions.
Eric Bakke reviewedJanuary 27, 2025
If you're in the mood for a fairly heavy, emotionally draining experience, Sophie's Choice might be your go-to for an evening full of guilt, grief, and heartache. The flashback sequences, though brief, are utterly captivating. Unfortunately, the rest of the film, which focuses on the present day, doesn’t quite maintain that same level of gripping intensity. The pace slows down considerably, and some of the narrative feels a little drawn-out or less focused, especially when compared to the harrowing flashbacks. But despite these lulls, Meryl Streep is simply incredible, capturing the emotional depth of Sophie’s character—her guilt, her trauma, and her so very sad attempts at moving forward. Her portrayal is what makes the movie worth watching, even when the story itself feels like it loses some steam.