Claes Bang Stars as Himmler’s Masseur in Anti-Nazi Film 2026

Claes Bang stars as Himmler’s masseur in the new anti-Nazi film, a gripping historical drama that challenges the myth of Felix Kersten. The movie, titled I Is Another, premieres at the Locarno Film Festival and offers a complex portrait of a man who claimed to save countless lives during the Holocaust.

The Real Felix Kersten: Hero or Opportunist?

Felix Kersten, a Finnish-born physiotherapist, served as Heinrich Himmler’s personal masseur from 1939 to 1945. In his postwar memoirs, Kersten claimed he used his influence over the SS chief to rescue Jews and concentration camp prisoners from deportation and death. This narrative was popularized by Joseph Kessel’s 1960 biography, The Man With the Miraculous Hands, which portrayed Kersten as a humanitarian hero.

However, director Felix Randau’s research uncovered evidence that complicates this picture. Randau found Kersten’s SS membership card in a Berlin archive, along with a letter asking permission to wear the SS uniform in public. This discovery undermines Kersten’s self-crafted image as an anti-Nazi.

Claes Bang’s Chilling Performance

Danish actor Claes Bang, known for his roles in The Square and BBC’s Dracula, brings a mercurial charm to Kersten. In the film, Kersten is on a train to Oslo, hoping to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He is confronted by a fictional journalist, Hedda Wohmann (Valerie Pachner), who suspects he is a liar and aims to expose him.

Bang’s portrayal captures the ambiguity of a man who may have saved lives but also collaborated with one of history’s worst criminals. The film avoids easy moral judgments, instead presenting a slippery, self-serving figure.

Historical Accuracy vs. Myth

Randau’s film deliberately demystifies Kersten. The director calls Kessel’s biography “full of lies,” and the movie’s narrative reflects this skepticism. By showing Kersten’s SS ties, the film asks viewers to question the stories we tell about WWII heroes.

Key Takeaways

• Claes Bang delivers a nuanced performance as the morally ambiguous Kersten.
• The film challenges the heroic narrative surrounding Kersten.
• Randau’s research reveals SS membership that Kersten concealed.
• “I Is Another” premieres at Locarno, sparking debate on historical memory.

Why This Film Matters

This anti-Nazi film is not just a biography; it’s a meditation on truth and deception. By focusing on Kersten’s flaws, Randau encourages audiences to critically examine historical figures. The movie’s title, I Is Another, hints at the fractured identity of a man who played many roles.

For fans of historical dramas, this is a must-watch. It offers a fresh perspective on WWII narratives, moving beyond simple good vs. evil dichotomies.

FAQ

FAQ

In conclusion, “I Is Another” is a thought-provoking anti-Nazi film that reexamines a controversial figure. With Claes Bang’s compelling performance, it is sure to generate discussion among audiences and historians alike.