Mephisto (1981)

In the gripping shadows of 1930s Germany, a fervent stage actor, Hendrik Höfgen, thirsts for recognition, surrendering himself entirely to the intoxicating allure of his craft. As he perfects his performance in a hauntingly Faustian play, the rise of the Nazis casts a dark, foreboding shadow over the nation. The growing popularity of his character begins to eclipse his own identity, blurring the lines between art and reality. As the chilling gusts of the Third Reich's doctrine sweep across the country, Hendrik is faced with a seemingly impossible choice: abandon his apolitical stance and succumb to the oppressive regime's demands or risk fading into oblivion. Meanwhile, those he holds dear are either fleeing the encroaching terror or being crushed beneath its inexorable march. Drawn into a perilous dance of survival, Hendrik discovers that his most convincing performance lies not on the stage, but off it—in maintaining a façade for his Nazi patrons. The cost of his success becomes increasingly clear: a Faustian pact where the currency is his very soul. Will he pay the ultimate price for his ambition, or can he outperform the devil himself? This intoxicating tale of ambition, compromise, and the high cost of success paints a haunting portrait of a man—and a nation—caught in the throes of a historic catastrophe.

Mephisto is a drama movie featuring Klaus Maria Brandauer.

Mephisto is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Metrograph.

It is also possible to buy Mephisto on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Kino Now, Vudu and YouTube.