ESCAPE FROM GERMANY (2024)
Scroll down to Watch Full MovieSebastian Barr
Joseph Batzel
Ischa Bee
Pamela Beheshti
Scarlett Hazen
Paul Wuthrich
David McConnell [de]
Landon Henneman
Whitney Palmer
Henning Fischer
TC Christensen’s latest film Escape from Germany takes
its audience back to a little-known time of world history. Set in 1939 as
Hitler’s Germany expands its oppressive reach, 79 young Mormon missionaries
face an urgent call to action. As summer draws to a close, Heber J. Grant,
prophet of the Latter-Day Saints, receives a prophetic message: war is imminent
and the missionaries must flee.
Night is falling as word spreads through mission
headquarters across Germany. Elders scramble to gather scattered brethren from
remote outposts—a daunting prospect without modern means. One man rises to the
challenging task, Elder Siebold. Tasked with tracking down two dozen
missionaries scattered throughout the vast country, he embarks alone on a
stealthy search. The Nazi occupation tightens its grip by the hour, and dangers
lurk around every corner for those without papers.
Christensen deftly establishes the ominous historical backdrop against which Siebold and other faithful shepherds must guide their frightened flocks to freedom. How they rise to the moment of crisis through perseverance and faith forms the heart of this suspenseful story. As darkness descends on Europe, lights of courage and community shine through ordinary people called to extraordinary acts. Their truth—a stranger than fiction tale—deserves rediscovery through Christensen’s skillful cinematic translation.
Plot
With time running out, Escape from Germany kicks into high
gear as a call-to-action echoes across the German mission. Heber J. Grant
receives a prophetic warning that war will erupt within days and all
missionaries must evacuate the country fast as borders close. Chaos ensues as
leaders scramble to track down scattered mission elders dotted throughout towns
and cities.
Enter Elder Seibold, a stalwart missionary tapped for a
tricky task. Charged with locating two dozen missing men, he boldly travels
alone on a stealthy search. Dodging Nazi patrols, he scours stations and
streets guided solely by faith. In each new place, he’s led to safety or the
next clue. Through it all, Seibold retains his quiet courage even as danger
mounts.
Back in Stuttgart, President Wood also flees with his family
in a desperate bid to outrun the imminent invasion. Not content trusting luck,
he takes bold steps to speed their passage. Their flight turns harrowing as
roads fill with troops. Through it all, they cling to hope that God watches
over his faithful despite the evils swelling around them.
The film draws from real diaries and histories but
fictionalizes for drama. Elders are composites, and some miracles are too neat
to be true. Yet it conveys well the period’s fears and perils through relatable
characters. In focusing on regular people called to extraordinary acts of
faith, Christensen hits the heart of what makes this true story resonate long
after credits roll.
