‘Truth & Treason’ is a 2025 American drama film based on the true story of Helmuth Hübener, a teenage resistance fighter who opposed the Nazi regime alongside some of his friends from church. Their efforts grew more impactful after one of their friends, who was half Jewish, was taken into custody and sent to a concentration camp in Germany during World War II. The friends and their families were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). They became aware of their church’s involvement in supporting Nazi sympathizers after a new bishop was appointed.
Directed by Matt Whitaker and released by Angel Films, this film presents a unique focus on the beliefs of Helmuth Hübener’s family and the youth who played vital roles in the resistance movement when Hübener was just 16 years old.
Although the film’s pacing can be slow at times, it ultimately tells a compelling and lesser-known story. The youth, led by Hübener, began distributing leaflets that identified and condemned the actions and characteristics of Hitler’s Nazi regime. The film is well-acted and effectively captures the period through its references to fashion and music.
Personally, I found this story largely unfamiliar in terms of the details, and it highlights the importance of resistance during that challenging time. The movement, largely driven by high school and college students, made a significant impact but also came with severe consequences. The film portrays the immense control and authoritarianism of Hitler over all aspects of life, reminding us of the devastating legacy he left behind. This serves as a caution to be careful when using terms like “Nazi” or “Hitler” in today’s context.
One thought-provoking issue raised by the movie is the distinction between a church acting as a nationalistic organization versus a religious one. While it is not wrong for a church to be involved in societal issues, problems arise when nationalism takes precedence over the church’s spiritual mission. This balance is a crucial lesson for today, emphasizing that our faith and actions should remain rooted in religious beliefs without being tainted by nationalist ideologies. Although political commentary may arise, it must be balanced with the teachings in Romans 13, which outline the specific purposes of government. It is when these lines blur that significant issues, much like those depicted in ‘Truth & Treason’, can occur.
I saw this film after it had been in theaters for several weeks, yet it was still sold out during its limited showings, which bodes well for Angel Films. I hope their productions continue to improve without the need for excessive hype; movies like ‘Truth & Treason’ are capable of standing on their own merit.
Having been critical of this group in the past, I rate this film a solid 7 out of 10 for its meaningful storytelling and important messages.