Wakolda review

The dark tale of Josef Mengele...

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

Based on a true story, Wakolda tells of war criminal Josef Mengele aka the ‘Angel of Death’ (Àlex Brendemühl) hiding out with an unsuspecting family in Argentina. It’s 1960, and the doctor behind Hitler’s genetic experiments seeks to advance his work by treating the family’s underdeveloped daughter (Florencia Bado, excellent).

Well-made and well-acted, Wakolda is let down by rampant contrivances and on-the-nose metaphors (the father makes flawless dolls with mechanical hearts!). Initially looking to humanise its monster, it loses interest when Mengele’s moustache begins to twirl.

More info

Available platformsMovie
Less
Editor-at-Large, Total Film

Jamie Graham is the Editor-at-Large of Total Film magazine. You'll likely find them around these parts reviewing the biggest films on the planet and speaking to some of the biggest stars in the business – that's just what Jamie does. Jamie has also written for outlets like SFX and the Sunday Times Culture, and appeared on podcasts exploring the wondrous worlds of occult and horror.