On the surface, “My Neighbor Adolf” has a “Grumpy Old Men” kind of schtick going for it. An elderly man who lives next door to an even more cantankerous elderly man. They would both like to be left alone and have zero interest in finding anything in common with each other. Ultimately, it shifts and turns into a tale of kindness and empathy. In my opinion, there is also a nod to grief. The idea that the loss of love in one’s life can take many paths and it can change your trajectory forever.
After losing his entire family in the Holocaust, Mr. Polsky played by actor David Hayman, has moved to South America to live an isolated life away from the nearby small town and people of the world. An empty home next to him is sold to an older gentleman, Mr. Herzog played by Udo Kier, and as soon as he moves in, the problems begin to arise. Right off the bat, it is a lot of hubbub for a gentleman who has been isolated for so long. Then, there are fights about property lines, broken down fences and even dog feces. But the turning point is when his new neighbor’s eyeglasses slip and Mr. Polsky sees a familiar, if not older, face in front of him.
Believing he’s seen Adolf Hitler in Mr. Herzog’s face, he becomes absolutely consumed by the idea of gathering evidence and bringing Hitler to justice. Ultimately, these spying shenanigans bring the two former enemies together and they become fast friends. They share their life stories with each other and play games. There is even a portrait of the other painted as a ruse because of Hitler’s penchant for Fine Arts.
Ultimately, Mr. Polsky’s obsessive spying and trap laying are due to his loneliness as he has missed his old life for so many years. In his grief, he wants Mr. Herzog to pay the price for his dead family and if he brings Hitler to justice, he will feel better. He may even be able to move on in some respect due to the justice that will be paid by the man that destroyed his life and the lives of so many others.
In the end, this is a quirky and kind movie with moments of levity, touching human connection and a full circle life lesson for both characters. You’ll have to watch it to find out if Hitler is indeed brought to justice!
“My Neighbor Adolph” is in theaters January 9, 2026. To learn more about it, visit the official website, here.
-By Jodi McDonough
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