Few war novels are as famous and widely read worldwide as Erich Maria Remarque‘s “All Quiet On The Western Front.” And that says a lot about the book’s staying power, as it was first published in 1929 about World War I, which ended over a century ago. Netflix hopes the novel’s universal appeal translates into a lot of views as “All Quiet On The Western Front” hits the streamer on October 28, fresh off its premiere at TIFF last month.
The film follows a group of recruits in the German army who enlist to fight in the ongoing world war. But the reality of war is far different than the romanticized ideas the young men have about it.
Here’s an official synopsis from the Toronto International Film Festival:
It’s 1917 and wartime in Germany, as Paul Bäumer lies about his age so that he can enlist alongside his friends — all of them very young men filled with romanticized, patriotic notions. The reality of war almost immediately dismantles their exuberance. Soon (too soon) Paul is thrown into a trench, with little equipment, minimal training, and the swiftly repaired uniform of another soldier on his back. Only the hardy advice of an older veteran prevents him from becoming another hapless statistic on his first day.
“Front” stars Felix Kammerer as Paul Bäumer, along with Albrecht Schuch, Moritz Klaus, Aaron Hilmer, and Edin Hasanovic. Daniel Brühl also stars in the film, while Devid Strisow and Sebastian Hülk round out the main cast.
German TV director Edward Berger directs “Front,” his first theatrical feature. Stateside, he’s best known for his work on AMC‘s “The Terror” and Showtimes‘s “Your Honor.” He also adapts Remarque’s novel for the big screen with Ian Stokell and Lesley Paterson.
“All Quiet On The Western Front” did well at its TIFF premiere in September, with critics almost unanimously loving it. The film has had an exclusive engagement at NYC’s Paris Theater since October 7 and expanded to a limited theatrical release on October 14. Then the film hits Netflix on October 28.
So, will Berger’s version of “All Quiet On The Western Front” be a faithful adaptation of Remarque’s classic novel? Find out on October 28, when the film premieres on Netflix. Watch a trailer for the film below.
