Our Relationship to Discomfort: A Therapeutic Review of "The Zone of Interest"

Last week I had the pleasure (or should that be displeasure?!) of experiencing Jonathan Glazer’s new film: The Zone of Interest. It has had such a lasting affect on me that I am still processing it many days later. This blog post is an attempt to wade through my thoughts and try to articulate why it made such an impact, whilst considering what it can teach us from a therapeutic perspective.

The film begins and the screen fades to black, there's an immediate sense of disorientation and anticipation. The darkness lingers as the soundtrack swells in discordant tones, creating an intense and unsettling encounter that seemingly invites the averting of eyes. Still darkness. The absence of visual stimuli leaving a state of uncertainty, unsure of what to expect next. Senses are heightened, becoming acutely aware of every sound – the faint hum of the projector, the rustle of other audience members shifting in their seats. Without the distraction of imagery, the mind begins to race, imagining all sorts of scenarios and possibilities for what the film might entail. Uncontrollable thoughts start to wonder if everything is okay. Perhaps the projector is broken. Maybe someone should be informed. The darkness feels suffocating, pressing in from all sides. As if being enveloped by the weight of the unknown, trapped in a void with no way out. Eventually the tension subsides, as the films first scene breaks through the absence of light.

Reflecting on this now, I can see how this visceral and uncomfortable experience serves as a powerful introduction to the film's themes of despair and moral ambiguity. As a therapist, it can also help us understand theoretical concepts such as cognitive dissonance and act as a reminder of the challenges that our clients may encounter within the therapeutic process.

In the realm of therapy, the concept of sitting with discomfort is often discussed as a crucial element of personal growth and self-discovery. Therefore, Jonathan Glazer's film provides a unique lens through which we can explore and understand the complexities of this emotional state.

The movie, set against the backdrop of World War II, delves into the darkest corners of human nature, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. Similarly, in therapy, individuals are encouraged to face their own emotional shadows and sit with the discomfort that arises.

One of the central themes in the film is the exploration of moral ambiguity and the consequences of turning a blind eye to uncomfortable realities. In therapy, clients may grapple with their own moral dilemmas, and the film serves as a poignant reminder that true growth often requires confronting and processing these challenging aspects of one's psyche.

As therapists, despite any obvious situational differences, we can draw parallels between the characters' struggles in the film and our clients' journeys. Encouraging clients to explore the uncomfortable spaces within themselves allows for deeper self-awareness and fosters personal development.

Moreover, the film raises questions about redemption and the possibility of change, even in the face of profound discomfort. This theme resonates with therapeutic practices that emphasise acceptance and commitment, encouraging individuals to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for positive transformation.

Additionally, The Zone of Interest offers a compelling exploration of cognitive dissonance—the discomfort that arises when individuals hold conflicting beliefs or attitudes. Throughout the film, characters grapple with the dissonance between their personal morality and the demands of their environment, highlighting the complexities of human cognition and behavior.

There is no better analogy for this then the ever present wall that separates the Höss family's idyllic home from the atrocities that are taking place literally just nextdoor. Although never seen, the film's sound design ensures that the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps are out of sight, but certainly not out of mind.

The film then invites the viewer to consider their own metaphorical walls. In therapy, cognitive dissonance often emerges as clients confront discrepancies between their stated values and their actions or beliefs. By exploring this dissonance in a safe and supportive environment, clients can gain insight into their motivations and begin to align their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors more congruently.

Ultimately, The Zone of Interest serves as a cinematic metaphor for the therapeutic process. It reminds us that growth often requires confronting discomfort head-on, just as the characters in the film must grapple with the uncomfortable truths of their own existence.

In therapy, the willingness to sit with discomfort becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. The film's exploration of these themes, including cognitive dissonance, provides valuable insights into the human psyche and offers a compelling narrative for both therapists and clients navigating the complexities of personal growth.

Returning to the beginning of the film and my own discomfort, I get a sense of the significance of this opening sequence. I can easily recall the sense of dread, navigating the darkness and knowing that whatever comes next will likely be harrowing and difficult to bear. The black screen becomes a symbol of the darkness and cruelty of the human condition, a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

By the time the film begins in earnest, the viewer is emotionally primed for what's to come. The opening black screen alongside the jarring soundtrack has effectively set the tone in preparation for the challenging subject matter that lies ahead, ensuring that the experience will be both impactful and unforgettable. To create such an experience within a visually vacant first frame is truly suggestive of a master filmmaker at work.