The Captain (2018)
A stolen uniform, a stolen identity, and a terrifying portrait of blind obedience in the dying days of Nazi Germany.
The Captain - Movie Information
- Original Title: Der Hauptmann
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Robert Schwentke
- Type: Movie
- Genres: War, Drama, History
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 15, 2018 (Germany - 16), July 27, 2018 (United States - R), September 21, 2018 (United Kingdom - 15), March 21, 2018 (France - 12), July 27, 2018 (Brazil - 16)
- Alternative Titles: Kapteeni (FI), The Captain (US), The Captain - l'usurpateur (FR), Der Hauptmann (DE)
- Production Companies: Filmgalerie 451, Alfama Films, Opus Film, Facing East, Worst Case Entertainment, hands-on producers, Maria Films
- Production Countries: Germany, France, Poland
The Captain - Plot
Germany, 1945. Soldier Willi Herold, a deserter of the German army, stumbles into a uniform of Nazi captain abandoned during the last and desperate weeks of the Third Reich. Newly emboldened by the allure of a suit that he has stolen only to stay warm, Willi discovers that many Germans will follow the leader, whoever he is.
The Captain - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chilling story of Willi Herold unfold:
Follow the leader
Where to Watch The Captain
Looking for where to watch The Captain?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Captain - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert Schwentke
Main Cast
- Max Hubacher
- Milan Peschel
- Frederick Lau
- Alexander Fehling
- Britta Hammelstein
- Waldemar Kobus
- Sebastian Rudolph
- Marko Dyrlich
- Alexander Hörbe
- Sascha Alexander Geršak
Writers
- Robert Schwentke
Producers
- Frieder Schlaich
- Irene von Alberti
- Paulo Branco
The Captain - FAQs
Is The Captain based on a true story?
Yes. The Captain is based on the real case of Willi Herold, a 19-year-old German army deserter who impersonated a Nazi captain in the final weeks of World War II. He commandeered troops, ordered executions, and was responsible for the deaths of dozens of prisoners before being captured and executed in 1946.
Why is The Captain filmed in black and white?
Director Robert Schwentke chose black-and-white cinematography to evoke the visual language of wartime newsreels and Nazi propaganda films, lending the story an unsettling authenticity. The aesthetic also distances the film from conventional war drama, reinforcing its cold, clinical examination of obedience and moral collapse.
Where can you stream The Captain online?
The Captain is available to stream free on Tubi TV, Kanopy, Hoopla, and Plex. It is also included with Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. Rental and purchase options are available on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Who plays Willi Herold in The Captain?
Swiss actor Max Hubacher portrays Willi Herold, the young German deserter who assumes the identity of a Nazi captain. Hubacher delivers a chilling, nuanced performance, capturing Herold's transformation from a frightened fugitive into a ruthless authority figure commanding unquestioning obedience from those around him.
What is the age rating for The Captain?
The Captain is rated R in the United States. The film contains graphic depictions of wartime violence, executions, and disturbing scenes of cruelty, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. It is rated 15 in the United Kingdom, 16 in Germany and Brazil, and 12 in France.
How long is The Captain?
The Captain has a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes (118 minutes). The film was directed by Robert Schwentke and released in Germany on March 15, 2018, with a US theatrical release following on July 27, 2018.
Did The Captain receive positive reviews from critics?
Yes. The Captain earned widespread critical acclaim, holding a strong approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised its stark black-and-white visuals, Max Hubacher's commanding lead performance, and its unflinching examination of how ordinary people surrender moral judgment to authority figures during wartime.
What genre is The Captain?
The Captain is a War, Drama, and History film. It blends the visceral intensity of wartime cinema with a psychological character study and a darkly satirical edge, exploring themes of identity, authority, and the banality of evil during the final chaotic weeks of the Third Reich.
More About The Captain
Explore further details, ratings, and production information from these authoritative sources.