War films often gravitate toward the grandiose—massive battles, iconic leaders, and sweeping historical arcs. But sometimes, the most powerful stories are those of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Anthropoid (2016), directed by Sean Ellis, is one such film: a tense, intimate, and ultimately heartbreaking dramatization of Operation Anthropoid, the real-life World War II mission to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, the Nazi “Butcher of Prague” and chief architect of the Holocaust.

In this review, we’ll walk through the film’s plot, characters, performances, historical context, and emotional impact, exploring how Anthropoid transforms a little-known act of resistance into a universal tale of courage and consequence.

Plot Overview: The Mission That Changed History

Set in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia in late 1941 and 1942, Anthropoid follows two Czechoslovak soldiers—Jozef Gabčík (Cillian Murphy) and Jan Kubiš (Jamie Dornan)—parachuted into their homeland by the government-in-exile. Their mission, codenamed “Anthropoid,” is to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, the Reich’s third-in-command after Hitler and Himmler, and the man responsible for the Final Solution.

From the moment they land, nothing goes as planned. Gabčík is injured in the drop, and their first contacts in the resistance turn out to be traitors. The two men barely escape, making their way to Prague, where they are stitched up by Dr. Eduard and introduced to the local underground led by “Uncle” Jan Zelenka-Hajský (Toby Jones) and Ladislav Vaněk (Marcin Dorociński). The resistance, wary of the mission’s risks, is divided: some see the assassination as a necessary blow against Nazi terror, while others fear the inevitable reprisals.

Gabčík and Kubiš, with the help of two brave young women—Marie (Charlotte Le Bon) and Lenka (Anna Geislerová)—begin their reconnaissance. Their cover stories are strengthened by posing as couples, and real feelings blossom amidst the tension and fear. The group plans to ambush Heydrich’s car as he travels to Prague Castle. When they learn Heydrich is about to be transferred to Paris, the mission is rushed into action.

The assassination itself is messy and chaotic—far from the clean, surgical strike one might expect from a Hollywood thriller. Heydrich is gravely wounded but not killed outright. The aftermath is catastrophic: Nazi reprisals are swift and brutal, with mass executions and the destruction of entire villages. The resistance network is compromised, and the surviving agents are betrayed and cornered in a Prague church, leading to a desperate, hours-long siege.

Characters and Performances: Humanity Under Pressure

Jozef Gabčík (Cillian Murphy)

Murphy delivers a quietly intense performance as Gabčík, the senior of the two agents. He is focused, driven, and haunted by the weight of his mission. Murphy plays Gabčík with a simmering violence and a sense of fatalism, a man who knows he is likely on a suicide mission but presses forward regardless. His relationship with Lenka, though understated, adds a humanizing layer to his otherwise stoic demeanor.

Jan Kubiš (Jamie Dornan)

Dornan’s Kubiš is more emotionally open, younger, and visibly shaken by the enormity of what’s at stake. His growing attachment to Marie and his longing for a normal life in the midst of chaos are palpable. Dornan brings vulnerability and depth to the role, especially as Kubiš’s fear and anxiety threaten to overwhelm him. His panic attacks and moments of doubt make him relatable and real.

The Resistance: Uncle Hajský, Vaněk, and the Moravecs

Toby Jones is excellent as “Uncle” Hajský, the avuncular resistance leader who balances pragmatism with compassion. The Moravec family, who shelter the agents, are portrayed with warmth and quiet bravery, embodying the everyday heroism of those who risked everything for freedom. Charlotte Le Bon’s Marie and Anna Geislerová’s Lenka are more than love interests; they are active participants in the resistance, showing courage and resourcefulness.

Reinhard Heydrich (Detlef Bothe)

Heydrich is a chilling presence, his power and cruelty felt even in brief scenes. The film wisely avoids turning him into a caricature, instead presenting him as a cold, efficient instrument of Nazi terror.

Direction and Tone: Gritty Realism Over Gloss

Sean Ellis crafts Anthropoid with an eye for authenticity and tension. The film’s color palette is muted, capturing the bleakness of occupied Prague. The camera lingers on small details—shaky hands, furtive glances, the mundane routines of resistance—building a sense of claustrophobia and dread.

The violence is sudden and brutal, never glamorized. The assassination attempt is chaotic and nerve-wracking, and the final siege in the church is a masterclass in sustained tension. The film’s realism extends to its depiction of wounds, torture, and the psychological toll of living under constant threat.

Themes: Sacrifice, Resistance, and the Cost of Defiance

The Weight of Duty

Anthropoid is, above all, a film about the burden of responsibility. Gabčík and Kubiš are not superhuman; they are ordinary men asked to do the impossible. The film explores the psychological strain of knowing that their actions, however justified, will bring suffering to innocents. The question of whether the assassination is worth the inevitable reprisals haunts every scene.

The Complexity of Heroism

The film resists easy heroics. The agents are brave, but also frightened and flawed. Their relationships—with each other, with their allies, and with the women they love—are marked by tenderness and guilt. The resistance itself is divided, with some members balking at the mission’s risks. The film asks: What does it mean to be a hero when the cost is so high?

Love and Humanity Amidst Horror

The budding romances between the agents and their allies are not just subplots; they are lifelines, reminders of what is at stake. These moments of connection are rendered with sensitivity, never distracting from the central narrative but deepening our investment in the characters’ fates.

The Price of Resistance

The aftermath of the assassination is devastating. The Nazis’ response is swift and merciless, with mass executions and the destruction of entire communities. The film does not shy away from these horrors, showing the real, human cost of resistance. The final siege, as the agents and their comrades are cornered in the church, is a harrowing portrait of courage and despair.

Similar Movies to Anthropoid

If you were moved by the tense, true-story drama of Anthropoid, there are several other films that explore similar themes of World War II resistance, espionage, and sacrifice. Here’s a curated list of movies that share the spirit, historical setting, or emotional intensity of Anthropoid:

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Anthropoid Box Office Collection

• Anthropoid was made on a modest budget of around $9 million.

• Its worldwide box office gross was approximately $5.3 million.

• While not a blockbuster, the film has been praised for its authenticity, tension, and emotional impact, gaining a strong following among fans of historical drama and war films.

Pacing and Structure: A Tale in Two Acts

Anthropoid is structured in two distinct halves. The first is a slow-burn thriller, focused on planning, reconnaissance, and the growing tension among the agents and their allies. The second half, following the assassination, is a relentless, nerve-shredding descent into chaos and violence.

This structure mirrors the real-life operation: months of careful planning followed by a brief, explosive act and its catastrophic fallout. The shift in tone is jarring but effective, underscoring the unpredictability and brutality of war.

Cinematography and Sound

The film’s cinematography is stark and atmospheric, using Prague’s wintry streets and shadowy interiors to evoke a sense of danger and oppression. The use of handheld cameras during action sequences adds immediacy and realism.

The sound design is equally effective, with moments of silence punctuated by sudden bursts of violence. The score is understated, allowing the tension and emotion to build organically.

Emotional Impact: A Story That Lingers

Anthropoid is not an easy film to watch. Its depiction of violence, betrayal, and loss is unflinching. The final siege in the church is particularly harrowing, as the agents and their comrades are picked off one by one, choosing death over capture and torture. The film’s ending is bleak but honest, refusing to offer false hope or easy redemption.

Yet, amidst the darkness, there is a sense of dignity and defiance. The agents’ sacrifice is not in vain; their courage inspires others and leaves a lasting legacy. The film’s final moments, as the survivors face their fate, are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Criticisms and Limitations

No film is without flaws. Anthropoid’s pacing in the first half may feel slow to some viewers, and the romantic subplots, while adding depth, can occasionally distract from the central mission. Some critics have noted that the film’s focus on realism comes at the expense of emotional engagement, making it more of a procedural than a character study.

However, these are minor quibbles in a film that succeeds so well in its primary goals: honoring history, exploring the complexities of resistance, and immersing viewers in a world where every choice is fraught with consequence.

Personal Reflection

Watching Anthropoid is a sobering experience. It is a film that demands empathy, patience, and reflection. The story of Gabčík, Kubiš, and their comrades is not just a tale of wartime heroics; it is a meditation on sacrifice, loyalty, and the human capacity for both cruelty and courage.

What lingers most is not the violence or the tragedy, but the moments of connection: a glance between lovers, a gesture of solidarity among comrades, the quiet resolve of those who know they may not live to see the fruits of their labor. Anthropoid is a film that honors the dead by reminding us of the value of life—and the price paid by those who dare to defend it.

Conclusion

Anthropoid is a masterfully crafted, deeply affecting war drama that shines a light on a little-known chapter of World War II history. Through its meticulous attention to detail, powerful performances, and unflinching realism, it transforms the story of Operation Anthropoid into a universal meditation on resistance, sacrifice, and the human cost of defiance.

It is a film that challenges, moves, and ultimately inspires—reminding us that, even in the darkest of times, ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference.