This harrowing documentary from French filmmaker Christophe Cognet chronicles life (and, more importantly, death) in several German concentration camps through the lens of the prisoners who secretly took photos themselves. Cognet exquisitely presents them as literal snapshots in time—a startling and eye-opening gut-punch reminder of the atrocities perpetuated at the hands of the Nazis. Matching each photo with the present-day location, he ensures each shot hits home even more. Beyond difficult to watch (and just as important), it’s a stunning achievement in film.

4.5/5 stars