The Commandant's Shadow
Two lives. Two stories. One wall that divided them.
The Commandant’s Shadow follows Hans Jürgen Höss, the 87-year-old son of Rudolf Höss, as he faces his father’s terrible legacy for the first time. His father was the camp commandant of Auschwitz and masterminded the murder of over a million Jews.
The life of Höss and his family was recently fictionalised in the Oscar-winning The Zone of Interest. Now, The Commandant’s Shadow tells the story of the real people.
While Hans Jurgen Höss enjoyed a happy childhood in the family villa at Auschwitz, Jewish prisoner Anita Lasker-Wallfisch was trying to survive the notorious concentration camp. At the heart of this film is the historic moment – eight decades later – when the two come face-to-face in Anita’s London living room, together with their children, Kai Höss and Maya Lasker-Wallfisch.
The Commandant’s Shadow has a 93% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Times (UK) calling it “rich and fascinating … resonant indeed for all families everywhere, and for the dubious stories they tell about themselves.”
More like this
Eye-opening homegrown documentaries to stream
These unmissable South African shows and movies deliver surprising insights on the country we're living in today.
Slay Queens S1
A raw, unapologetic,and bold 5-part docuseries exposing the hustle, glamour, and risks behind social media fame. New episodes on Showmax every Friday.
Navajo Police: Class 57 S1
Recruits face grueling training, personal demons, and cultural pride as they join the Navajo Police to protect the people of the reservation.
Slay Queens: Inno Morolong on the dark side of the lifestyle
Influencer and reality star Inno Morolong tells viewers what to expect from docuseries Slay Queens, landing 31 October 2025 on Showmax.
Die Stories van Afrikaans S1
More than 100 voices and rich archival material tell the stories that have shaped Afrikaans over four centuries.
IdeaCandy docuseries Unspoken War looks to start a national conversation
Unspoken War lands on Showmax in full on 12 November 2025, and on M-Net weekly on Wednesdays from 12 November. Produced by iEmmy nominees IdeaCandy.
Young, Gifted & Queer (2025)
This bold exploration of the lives of Black queer artists shaping Mzansi's cultural landscape is told through intimate and personal reflections.
Must-watch trailer: Slay Queens doccie coming to Showmax
Watch the explosive trailer for Slay Queens, a Showmax Original docuseries about women chasing the soft life. Streaming from 31 October, new episodes every Friday.
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival S2 on Showmax
Youngins S3, now streaming on Showmax
More eye-opening documentaries
Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites
Catch the thrilling encounter between Manchester City and Premier League champions Liverpool live on Showmax Premier League on Suynday at 18:30 (SAST)
Hakeem Kae-Kazim on Showmax crime thriller Masinga - The Calling
SAFTA winner Hakeem Kae-Kazim talks about his title role in the crime thriller Masinga - The Calling, premiering on 5 December 2025 on Showmax.
Alert: Missing Persons Unit S3
Showrunner John Eisendrath and Jamie Foxx are behind this police procedural. After her son goes missing, Nikki Batista joins the Philadelphia Missing Persons Unit, helping find people's loved ones as she searches for her own.
Lehlohonolo Mayeza on Leruo’s battles in Outlaws Season 2
New love, old foes: Lehlohonolo Mayeza unpacks Leruo's journey in Outlaws S2, on Showmax from 17 November and Mzansi Magic from 22 November.
Latest Stories
Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites
What to watch on Showmax in November 2025
Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?
Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back
Outlaws S2: Meet the new Sihle, Noluthando Ngema
Gallery: Showmax Fan Day with Youngins brings the heat
Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
IdeaCandy docuseries Unspoken War looks to start a national conversation
Creating The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe
Clementine Mosimane, Mondli Makhoba and Luyanda Zwane join Spinners S2
Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break
Married at First Sight's Portia Baloyi on the reunion and her ex
Must-watch trailer: Slay Queens doccie coming to Showmax
The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red
Relebogile Mabotja to host the two-hour Married at First Sight reunion special
South Africa in third place at International Emmys, with four MultiChoice nominations
What to watch on Showmax in October 2025
The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade
Married at First Sight: Themba on his "stunning" wife Nelisa
June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma
Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend
Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue
Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera
