Steve McQueen's 'Occupied City': See documentary’s trailer, storyline, release date, where to watch and more

Steve McQueen has released a trailer for his documentary 'Occupied City,' which intertwines the history of Nazi-era Amsterdam with contemporary extremism. The four-hour documentary draws inspiration from Bianca Stigter's book, 'Atlas of an Occupied City (Amsterdam 1940-1945),' and was produced in collaboration with A24, New Regency, Film4, and more.

The trailer, unveiled by A24, focuses on present-day Amsterdam. McQueen captures the city's residents going about their daily lives, engaged in activities, such as walking, jogging, skating, dancing, and getting married.





Over these visuals, Melanie Hyam's narration recounts the turbulent events that shook Amsterdam's Jewish community in the early 1940s as Nazi Germany's grip tightened. The matter-of-fact narration by Stigter connects these two distinct periods, highlighting the ominous foreshadowing of contemporary extremism through the lens of history.

"In 1942, the deportations began," Hyam's voiceover declares as the camera shows a child playing near the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, unaware of the historical tragedy that unfolded on the same grounds.

McQueen's approach to the history of occupied Amsterdam subtly intertwines the narration with the visuals, hinting at the lingering echoes of the past without explicit commentary.

The trailer occasionally features the modern-day Amsterdam police on horseback, in helicopters, or armored vehicles as they disperse crowds, including those protesting against COVID-related restrictions.

'Occupied City,' previously featured at Cannes, Telluride, and the New York Film Festival, is scheduled to hit theaters on December 25. The documentary's production credits are attributed to A24, New Regency, Film4, and other collaborators.

FAQs

What is 'Occupied City' by Steve McQueen about?
'Occupied City' is a four-hour documentary that intertwines Nazi-era Amsterdam with contemporary extremism, exploring historical horrors and their relevance in the present day.

When and where can I watch 'Occupied City'?
'Occupied City' premiered at Cannes and was showcased at Telluride and the New York Film Festival. It will be released in theaters on December 25, with production credits shared by A24, New Regency, and Film4.