Irena's Vow

Irena's Vow is a Canadian-Polish historical drama set during the German occupation of Poland, which began in 1939. The story follows Irena Gut, a young Polish Catholic nurse who, after being separated from her family during the invasion, is put to work for the German military. Her competence brings her to the attention of senior officers, and she is eventually installed as housekeeper in the villa requisitioned by Major Eduard Rügemer. While overseeing a group of Jewish forced labourers, she learns that the ghetto is to be liquidated, and she resolves to hide twelve of these workers in the cellar of the major's own house. She keeps them concealed there for roughly eight months, relying on her courage and presence of mind as the danger around her grows.

The film is directed by Louise Archambault, whose earlier features include Thanks for Everything and The Bad Seed Returns. Dan Gordon wrote the screenplay. Sophie Nélisse plays Irena Gut Opdyke, with Dougray Scott as Rügemer, Andrzej Seweryn as Schultz, Maciej Nawrocki as Rokita, Sharon Azrieli as Helen and Eliza Rycembel as Ida.

Irena's Vow opened in April 2024 and runs 121 minutes. It drew a modest worldwide box office of about one million dollars, consistent with a limited release for a historical drama. On IMDb it holds 6.8/10 from around 3,000 votes, while on TMDB it stands at 7.7/10 from 146 votes.