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Entertainment • Film

Jojo Rabbit

Jojo Rabbit is a 2019 satirical dark comedy-drama film written and directed by Taika Waititi, based on Christine Leunens' novel Caging Skies.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jojo Rabbit is a 2019 satirical dark comedy-drama film written and directed by Taika Waititi, based on Christine Leunens' novel Caging Skies. It follows a young German boy in the Hitler Youth whose beliefs are challenged when he discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home.

Premise

The story centres on Jojo Betzler, a German boy whose nationalist worldview is disrupted when he learns that his mother is sheltering a Jewish girl. The film uses satire to explore indoctrination, prejudice, and personal change.

Production

Jojo Rabbit was written and directed by Taika Waititi and adapted from Christine Leunens' novel Caging Skies. It was produced and released in 2019.

Cast

The principal cast includes Roman Griffin Davis, Scarlett Johansson, Thomasin McKenzie, Taika Waititi, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Stephen Merchant, and Alfie Allen.

Reception

The film was widely discussed for its unusual mixture of humour and Holocaust-era subject matter. It was released in theatres in late 2019 and was rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, language, disturbing images, and violence.

Key facts

  • The film is set in Nazi Germany during the later stages of World War II.
  • Roman Griffin Davis plays Johannes "Jojo" Betzler, a young Hitler Youth member.
  • Scarlett Johansson plays Jojo's mother, Rosie, who is hiding a Jewish girl in the attic.
  • Thomasin McKenzie plays Elsa, the Jewish girl.
  • Taika Waititi also appears in the film as an imaginary version of Adolf Hitler.
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Canadian context

Jojo Rabbit was distributed in Canada and is relevant to Canadian viewers through its theatrical release, home media availability, and broader discussion of World War II satire in international cinema.

Frequently asked questions

What is Jojo Rabbit about?
It is about a young German boy in the Hitler Youth whose beliefs are challenged when he discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home.
Who directed Jojo Rabbit?
Taika Waititi wrote and directed the film.
What is Jojo Rabbit based on?
It is adapted from Christine Leunens' 2008 novel Caging Skies.
Who plays Jojo?
Roman Griffin Davis plays Johannes "Jojo" Betzler, also known as Jojo.
What genre is Jojo Rabbit?
It is generally described as a satirical dark comedy-drama.

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2584384/
    Supports: Basic plot description and title information.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jojo_Rabbit
    Supports: Year, genre, writer-director, source novel, and main cast.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/facts/Jojo-Rabbit
    Supports: Runtime, rating, director, writing credit, and cast listing.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jojo_rabbit
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, rating, runtime, and release information.
  5. Fox Searchlight Pictures — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL4McUzXfFI
    Supports: Official trailer synopsis, release timing, and credited cast and creators.