“Nuremberg”

By Mahika Khosla Dec. 10, 2025

World War Two has just ended. You, an American, are sent to a prison in Germany by the American government without reason. Upon arrival, you are told that until the Nuremberg Trials happen—a series of trials to prosecute Nazi leaders for war crimes—you must extrapolate information from the prisoners regarding their plans for the trial and prevent them from committing suicide. This was the reality of Psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, whose experiences are showcased in the movie “Nuremberg”.  

The movie’s ability to build the complex relationship between Kelley and Göring was my favorite part of “Nuremberg.” Initially, Kelley spent time with Göring in his cell because Kelley aimed to write a book to understand why the Nazis committed their heinous crimes, and how they could justify it to themselves and others. His goal was to educate the public on the psychology behind evil to prevent it in the future. However, through these talks, Kelley was attracted by Göring’s authenticity and pride. Empathetic to Göring, Kelley even secretly visited Göring’s family several times. 

Kelley and Göring’s relationship crumbled during the beginning of the trials, where a six-minute clip detailing the reality of Germany’s concentration camps was shown to the attendees. Horrified by the footage, Kelley handed the book he himself drafted to Great Britain’s and America’s lawyers the subsequent day to help them plan a way to defeat Göring during the trials. After the end of the Nuremberg Trials, the movie ended with Kelley promoting the book he was able to publish on a podcast. On the podcast, Kelley stated that there are people like the Nazis in every country. including the U.S. Immediately, the podcast went off air. It was then that I realized the movie’s goal was not only to educate the public on Kelley’s life and the Nuremberg Trials, but also to showcase the importance of understanding people’s motives and speaking against inhumane acts. 

“Nuremberg” changed the way I view human psychology. It is an impeccable film that is becoming increasingly relevant in today’s world where authoritarianism governs a growing portion of the human population.

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About the Contributors

Mahika Khosla

staff writer

Mahika Khosla is a senior at Leland High School and a Staff Writer for The Charger Account. Some of her favorite activities are watching Shark Tank, visiting National Parks, and rooting for the Warriors.