The film’s narrative is both simple and profound, focusing on Saul’s singular mission amidst the chaos and brutality of the concentration camp. Nemes employs a distinctive visual style, using long takes and a shallow depth of field to keep the camera closely focused on Saul, blurring the background horrors. This technique creates a claustrophobic and disorienting experience, mirroring Saul’s mental state and forcing the audience to confront the atrocities in a deeply personal and direct manner.

Géza Röhrig’s performance is haunting and restrained, conveying profound grief, determination, and despair with minimal dialogue. The sound design is also critical to the film’s impact, with off-screen noises and distant screams enhancing the atmosphere of dread and dehumanization.

“Son of Saul” is not without controversy, as its unflinching portrayal of the Holocaust and the focus on one man’s personal quest amidst mass suffering raise complex ethical and emotional questions. However, the film’s artistic boldness and emotional intensity have earned it critical acclaim, including the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.