Primo (2005)

"Primo" takes us on a profound journey into the heart of darkness, as it brings to life Primo Levi's haunting account of the Holocaust, through the lens of a one-man theatrical performance. The film captures Antony Sher's riveting portrayal of Levi, the Italian Jewish chemist, who found himself trapped within the monstrous confines of Auschwitz in 1944. This story, adapted from Levi's book "If This Is A Man," is a chilling testament to the ten horrific months he spent imprisoned under brutal conditions, by German authorities who discovered his Jewish identity. Sher, known for his diverse roles in the light-hearted "Shakespeare in Love" and the poignant wartime romance "Yanks," takes on a dramatically darker character in "Primo." With an astonishing ease, he plunges into the abyss of human despair, recounting Levi's horrifying experiences. The film version of the play showcases Sher's exceptional acting skills as he embodies the agony and resilience of Levi's ordeal, masterfully transforming words into vivid experiences. As the story unfolds, the viewers bear witness to Sher's remarkable ability to breathe life into Levi's narrative, creating a cinematic masterpiece that resonates with the depths of human endurance and the indomitable spirit of survival.

Primo is a drama movie featuring Antony Sher and directed by Richard Wilson.

Primo is currently streaming on DIRECTV and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Primo on Amazon Video.