NEW LIVES

Joey Schweitzer's "New Lives" is a stunning and intimate exploration of trauma, survival, and the complexities of rebuilding a life after the Holocaust. Anchored by Weronika Wozniak’s haunting portrayal of Manusha, the film delves into the emotional fallout of survival, focusing on the quiet, unseen struggles of a woman burdened by her past and alienated in her present. Set in a modest 1950s Brooklyn apartment, the story feels as claustrophobic as it does universal, capturing the tension between honoring the past and embracing the future.

Manusha and her husband Josef embody two starkly different responses to trauma. While Josef appears to thrive in their new life, Manusha is isolated, unable to connect to her surroundings or find solace in her work as a cleaning lady. Schweitzer’s script allows these differences to unfold with subtlety, showing how Josef’s outward optimism inadvertently deepens Manusha’s feelings of inadequacy and shame. This emotional gulf grows when Manusha discovers a devastating secret about their upstairs neighbor Leo, another survivor whose outward success masks a deep internal misery.

The film’s power lies in its refusal to offer easy answers. Each character represents a different approach to processing the unthinkable—whether burying it, succumbing to it, or confronting it. Through her interactions with Leo, Manusha is forced to reconcile her own suppressed trauma and consider what it means to truly live, not just survive. This emotional complexity gives "New Lives" a depth that lingers long after the credits roll, inviting viewers to reflect on their own relationship with grief and healing.

Visually, the film is stunning in its restraint. Schweitzer’s muted color palette and careful attention to period detail create a sense of authenticity and emotional weight. The use of shadow and light mirrors Manusha’s inner turmoil, emphasizing her isolation while hinting at her potential for growth. Every frame feels intentional, allowing the audience to sit with the tension and uncertainty of the characters’ journeys.

Its focus on the untold stories of women like Manusha—survivors whose struggles extend beyond liberation, is beautiful, thoughtful and poignant.

Inspired by Schweitzer’s own family history, the film offers a fresh perspective on Holocaust narratives, shining a light on the quieter, gendered experiences of survival. It’s a deeply personal yet universally resonant story, capturing the messiness of healing and the resilience required to move forward without abandoning the past.

Ultimately, "New Lives" is an empathetic and deeply affecting short film that transcends its runtime. Through its nuanced performances, thoughtful direction, and layered storytelling, it offers a moving meditation on trauma, identity, and the enduring human spirit. Schweitzer proves that even the smallest stories can leave a profound impact, making this gem a powerful addition to the canon of Holocaust cinema.