Truth & Treason (2025) brings to life the extraordinary true story of Helmuth Hübener, a courageous German teenager who dared to stand against the Nazi regime during the darkest days of World War II. Set in 1940s Hamburg, the film captures the intense atmosphere of fear, propaganda, and blind loyalty that gripped a nation—while highlighting the quiet rebellion of a young man who refused to surrender his conscience. Directed with emotional depth and historical precision, Truth & Treason serves as both a haunting drama and an inspiring tale of moral courage. Through Helmuth’s journey, audiences witness the power of truth in the face of tyranny and the unbreakable spirit of youth who dared to question the world around them. It’s a moving portrayal of bravery that reminds viewers how one voice can ignite a revolution, even in the shadow of oppression.
Overview
Truth & Treason (2025) unfolds during World War II in Nazi-controlled Germany, following the real-life story of Helmuth Hübener, a teenage member of the Hitler Youth who becomes disillusioned by the regime’s lies. After secretly listening to forbidden BBC broadcasts, Helmuth begins to spread the truth through leaflets, exposing the atrocities and false propaganda of the Nazi government. His actions soon draw the attention of the Gestapo, setting in motion a gripping tale of resistance, loyalty, and sacrifice.
The film delves deep into the emotional and psychological turmoil of a young man torn between obedience and integrity. It paints a vivid picture of a generation trapped under dictatorship, yet yearning for justice and humanity. Through its historical setting and powerful performances, Truth & Treason portrays the cost of standing up for what is right—even when the price is one’s freedom and life.
Cast and Crew
Director: Matt Whitaker
Truth & Treason (2025) is directed by Matt Whitaker, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Russ Kendall. Whitaker, known for his passion for faith-driven and historical storytelling, brings a deeply human touch to this World War II drama. His direction focuses on authenticity and emotional truth, allowing audiences to experience the moral weight of Helmuth Hübener’s real-life defiance against Nazi Germany. Whitaker’s meticulous approach to tone, setting, and historical accuracy helps the film transcend typical war dramas, turning it into a powerful exploration of conviction, faith, and courage under oppression. His work ensures that Truth & Treason feels both historically grounded and emotionally relevant to today’s audiences.
Lead Actor:Helmuth Hübener
The lead role of Helmuth Hübener is portrayed by Ewan Horrocks, best known for his performances in historical dramas and period pieces. Horrocks delivers a stunning, mature performance as the teenage resistance fighter who dares to challenge Hitler’s propaganda machine. His portrayal captures Helmuth’s innocence, bravery, and gradual awakening to the horrors of the Nazi regime. The actor’s expressive performance showcases both the fragility and the strength of youth, making the audience feel the emotional intensity of each choice Helmuth makes. His transformation from a loyal Hitler Youth member to a defiant truth-teller is the emotional core of the film and stands as one of Horrocks’ finest performances to date. While Truth & Treason primarily centers around Helmuth’s story, the film subtly integrates emotional and moral depth through its female characters. Though not front and center in the narrative, the women around Helmuth—particularly his mother and the young women of his community—serve as emotional anchors that reflect the quiet strength of those who lived under Nazi rule. Their performances add realism and emotional resonance, helping to humanize the consequences of Helmuth’s rebellion.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast features Ferdinand McKay as Karl-Heinz Schnibbe and Daf Thomas as Rudi Wobbe—Helmuth’s close friends and fellow members of the underground resistance group. Both actors deliver moving performances that highlight the camaraderie, fear, and hope shared among the trio. Nye Occomore appears as Salomon Schwarz, while Rupert Evans takes on the role of Erwin Mussener, each contributing to the layered depiction of wartime Germany. Their performances together create an atmosphere of youthful idealism clashing with the brutal realities of dictatorship. The ensemble’s authenticity and emotional vulnerability elevate the narrative, grounding the story in lived experience rather than just historical fact.
Music Composer:Aaron Zigman
The music for Truth & Treason is composed by Aaron Zigman, whose work perfectly captures the film’s emotional range—from quiet moments of reflection to the swelling tension of defiance and danger. Zigman’s score weaves orchestral power with intimate piano and string motifs, reflecting Helmuth’s internal struggle and the looming oppression of the era. His compositions enhance the historical gravity while maintaining a deeply human tone that complements the performances and cinematography beautifully.
Production Company
The film is produced by Kaleidoscope Pictures in collaboration with Angel Studios, a company known for producing faith-inspired and value-driven stories that resonate globally. Their joint production ensures Truth & Treason retains both cinematic quality and a strong moral message, aligning with the studios’ dedication to storytelling that uplifts and inspires. The film’s visual authenticity—combined with meticulous production design—recreates 1940s Germany with remarkable detail, drawing viewers fully into the period.
Run Time: 2 Hours 120 Minutes
Truth & Treason has a total running time of 2 hours (120 minutes), providing enough scope to explore Helmuth’s journey from youthful naivety to heroic conviction. Each act of the film is carefully structured to balance historical storytelling with emotional depth, ensuring that the pacing remains engaging throughout while giving space for the moral and philosophical questions at its heart to resonate long after the credits roll.
Budget and Box Office
The estimated production budget for Truth & Treason (2025) is reported to be around $15 million, though official confirmation from the studio or distributors has not been released. This mid-range budget aligns with the film’s scale—a historically grounded period drama with detailed set recreations of 1940s Germany, practical effects, and a strong ensemble cast. Produced by Kaleidoscope Pictures and distributed by Angel Studios, the film’s financial focus appears to have been on authenticity and emotional storytelling rather than blockbuster spectacle.
At the box office, Truth & Treason earned a total of approximately $3.36 million worldwide, with the majority coming from its domestic (U.S.) release. The film had a limited theatrical run, reaching just over 2,000 theaters, and received positive audience reception despite its modest earnings. While not a major commercial success, its performance reflects the growing audience for faith-inspired and historical dramas. The film’s future profitability may rely on streaming and international distribution, where it is expected to find a larger, more engaged audience.
Story
Truth & Treason (2025) tells the gripping true story of Helmuth Hübener, a teenage boy living in Hamburg during the height of Nazi Germany. Initially a loyal member of the Hitler Youth, Helmuth begins to question the propaganda and lies fed to him by the regime. His awakening starts when he secretly listens to forbidden BBC radio broadcasts, which expose the grim realities of the war and the atrocities committed by the Nazis. This marks the beginning of a dangerous journey where truth becomes his only weapon against overwhelming oppression.
As Helmuth becomes more aware of the injustices around him, he decides to act. Alongside a small group of friends, he begins distributing leaflets that reveal the lies of Nazi propaganda, warning the public about the regime’s crimes and the consequences of blind obedience. Each leaflet becomes a symbol of courage, a spark of hope in a city consumed by fear. The story emphasizes the high stakes of resistance, showing how even a small act of defiance can carry life-threatening consequences under a totalitarian state.
The narrative delves deeply into Helmuth’s internal struggle, portraying the tension between youthful idealism and the harsh realities of political oppression. Audiences witness his growing awareness of moral responsibility, the emotional weight of secrecy, and the painful realization that even those closest to him may betray or misunderstand his intentions. The story paints a vivid portrait of a young man’s conscience battling against an authoritarian machine, highlighting the extraordinary courage required to confront systemic evil.
Beyond individual heroism, Truth & Treason also explores the broader impact of Helmuth’s actions on his family, friends, and community. It illustrates the ripple effects of resistance in a society suffocated by fear, showing both the inspiration and danger his choices bring to those around him. The story ultimately underscores the timeless themes of integrity, bravery, and the power of truth, leaving audiences with a profound understanding of how one young person’s moral conviction can challenge the course of history, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Review
Truth & Treason (2025) is a gripping historical drama that immerses viewers in the life of Helmuth Hübener, a teenage resistance fighter in Nazi Germany. The film’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of wartime Hamburg, from the oppressive atmosphere of the Hitler Youth to the looming threat of the Gestapo. Director Matt Whitaker carefully crafts each scene to balance historical accuracy with emotional storytelling, making the audience feel the weight of living under a totalitarian regime. The cinematography captures both the grimness of the era and the quiet moments of human resilience, creating a visually compelling narrative.
Ewan Horrocks delivers a standout performance as Helmuth, conveying the inner conflict of a boy torn between loyalty and conscience. His portrayal is nuanced, showing not only bravery but also vulnerability, fear, and the moral weight of his choices. The supporting cast, including Ferdinand McKay, Daf Thomas, and Nye Occomore, provide strong performances that enhance the story’s depth, highlighting the camaraderie and tension among Helmuth and his friends. Even minor characters contribute to the realism, making the story feel lived-in rather than purely dramatized.
Aaron Zigman’s musical score is another highlight, subtly underscoring the emotional and historical tension without overpowering the scenes. From soft, reflective melodies to more intense orchestral swells during moments of danger, the score complements the narrative and amplifies the emotional stakes. The sound design, from the crackle of radios to the ambient sounds of wartime Hamburg, further immerses the audience in the period setting.
The screenplay effectively balances factual storytelling with human emotion. Dialogues are carefully crafted to reflect the era, the ideology, and the inner turmoil of the characters. The pacing allows viewers to experience both the quiet, contemplative moments of Helmuth’s reflection and the suspenseful tension of his clandestine activities. By focusing on Helmuth’s moral choices rather than sensationalizing violence, the film emphasizes the psychological and ethical dimensions of resistance, making the story compelling for both history enthusiasts and general audiences.
Visually and thematically, Truth & Treason succeeds in portraying the harsh realities of Nazi Germany while maintaining an emotional core that resonates with modern viewers. The production design, costumes, and locations authentically recreate 1940s Hamburg, lending credibility to the story. Each frame reflects the careful attention to historical detail, from the uniforms to the architecture, while simultaneously capturing the humanity and courage of those who dared to resist. The film’s dedication to authenticity, combined with its emotional depth, makes it a thought-provoking and engaging cinematic experience.
Inside the Courage: The Making of Truth & Treason
Truth & Treason is more than just a historical drama—it’s a cinematic journey into the heart of moral bravery. Audiences are pulled into the gripping reality of WWII Germany through its meticulously recreated sets, authentic period costumes, and immersive sound design that makes every scene feel lived-in. The tension of Helmuth Hübener’s secret resistance is palpable, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats while also inviting them to connect deeply with the human cost of standing up against oppression. Each frame is crafted to highlight not just the historical events, but the emotional and psychological struggle of a teenager who dared to challenge an entire regime.
Behind the scenes, the production of Truth & Treason is a testament to dedication and detail. Director Matt Whitaker and the cast spent months researching the real-life events, meeting historians, and understanding Helmuth’s personal journey to portray it authentically. The filming involved recreating 1940s Hamburg streets and interiors with painstaking accuracy, while actors underwent intensive coaching to capture the mannerisms, speech, and emotional nuances of the era. This commitment to realism and authenticity ensures that the film is not only historically engaging but also emotionally gripping, making it a must-watch for anyone drawn to stories of courage, integrity, and the power of standing up for truth.
Conclusion
Truth & Treason (2025) stands as a powerful tribute to the courage and conviction of Helmuth Hübener, a teenager who risked everything to speak the truth under the shadow of Nazi Germany. The film’s meticulous attention to historical detail, compelling performances, and emotional storytelling create an experience that is both educational and deeply moving. It highlights the extraordinary impact of individual bravery and moral integrity, showing that even the smallest acts of resistance can echo through history.
Beyond its historical significance, the film resonates with contemporary audiences by exploring timeless themes of conscience, justice, and resilience. Truth & Treason not only brings a lesser-known hero to the forefront but also inspires reflection on the choices we make in the face of injustice. It’s a cinematic experience that challenges viewers to consider the power of truth and the enduring legacy of those who dare to stand for what is right.