Gal Gadot is set to captivate audiences in Ruin, a gripping thriller where she plays a Holocaust survivor seeking justice in post-World War II Germany. Directed by Niki Caro and co-starring Matthias Schoenaerts, the film promises a raw, emotional journey of revenge and redemption. Produced by Gadot’s Pilot Wave Productions, Ruin is already generating buzz for its powerful narrative and stellar cast. Here’s why this film is a must-watch.
A Story of Vengeance and Atonement
Ruin, set in the shattered landscape of post-WWII Germany, follows a nameless ex-Nazi captain, played by Matthias Schoenaerts, who seeks to atone for his wartime crimes by hunting down surviving members of his former SS Death Squad. Gadot’s character, a newly released concentration camp survivor, forms an unlikely alliance with him, driven by her own thirst for revenge. The screenplay, penned by cousins Kaz and Ryan Firpo, first gained attention in 2017 when it topped the Black List, a prestigious survey of unproduced scripts. Its gritty premise draws comparisons to Inglourious Basterds, but with a darker, more introspective tone.
Gadot’s involvement in Ruin dates back to 2017, when she was initially attached to the project alongside director Justin Kurzel. Now, with Niki Caro—known for The Zookeeper’s Wife and Mulan—at the helm, the film is poised to deliver a compelling blend of historical drama and intense action, exploring themes of guilt, survival, and justice.
A war-torn landscape, evoking the post-WWII setting of Gal Gadot’s upcoming film Ruin. Image by Pexels.
Gal Gadot’s Personal Connection
Gadot’s role in Ruin carries deep personal significance. As the granddaughter of Auschwitz survivor Abraham Weiss, she has long been vocal about preserving Holocaust memories. Her grandfather’s survival and the loss of his family in the camps have shaped her commitment to projects that honor this history. Gadot’s narration for an Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial film and her hosting of Holocaust survivor Celina Biniaz in 2023 reflect her dedication to ensuring these stories endure.
In Ruin, Gadot steps into a role that demands emotional depth and physical intensity, showcasing her versatility beyond her iconic Wonder Woman persona. Her production company, Pilot Wave, co-founded with husband Jaron Varsano, is also behind the film, underscoring her commitment to meaningful storytelling. This project joins other Pilot Wave ventures, including planned biopics about Cleopatra and Hedy Lamarr, highlighting Gadot’s focus on strong, impactful narratives.
A Stellar Team Behind the Scenes
Directed by Niki Caro, Ruin benefits from her experience crafting emotionally resonant stories. Caro’s previous Holocaust film, The Zookeeper’s Wife, featured Israeli actress Shira Haas, who coincidentally attended Gadot’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in March 2025. Matthias Schoenaerts, known for Rust and Bone, brings gravitas as the remorseful Nazi captain. The Firpo cousins, fresh off their work on Marvel’s Eternals, deliver a script that balances raw emotion with high-stakes drama, making Ruin a standout in Holocaust cinema.
Why Ruin Stands Out
Ruin arrives at a time when Holocaust stories remain vital for combating rising antisemitism and preserving historical memory. Gadot’s involvement amplifies the film’s reach, given her global platform and advocacy for Jewish causes. The movie’s revenge-driven narrative sets it apart from traditional Holocaust dramas, offering a fresh perspective on survival and justice. Despite earlier casting rumors involving Margot Robbie, Gadot’s long-standing attachment to the project ensures a performance rooted in authenticity and passion.
The film’s production has sparked excitement on platforms like X, with fans praising Gadot’s choice of challenging roles. As she continues to navigate controversies tied to her Israeli identity, including protests during Snow White and The Runner, Gadot’s focus on projects like Ruin reaffirms her resilience and commitment to her heritage.
Conclusion: A Cinematic Triumph Awaits
Gal Gadot’s starring role in Ruin promises to be a defining moment in her career, blending her personal connection to the Holocaust with her undeniable star power. Directed by Niki Caro and backed by a talented cast and crew, this thriller is set to deliver a powerful exploration of revenge and redemption. As Ruin prepares to hit screens, it stands as a testament to the enduring importance of Holocaust stories. Will Gadot’s performance redefine her legacy? One thing’s certain: this is a film you won’t want to miss.
Gal Gadot is about to play a Holocaust survivor in an upcoming film, “Ruin.” The movie’s script, the debut script of cousins Kaz Firpo and Ryan Firpo, now known for their work on “Eternals,” topped the Black List — an annual survey of unproduced motion picture screenplays, compiled by the film industry and made public each year — back in 2017. Its logline read: “A nameless ex-Nazi captain navigates the ruins of post-WWII Germany. Determined to atone for his crimes during the war, he hunts down the surviving members of his former SS Death Squad.” Sounds a lot like “Abba” Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds,” but a bit less funny and a bit more gritty. Gadot’s character, a newly released Nazi camp prisoner, forms an alliance with the German soldier as they both seek revenge.
Gadot, who most recently starred in the controversial Disney “Snow White” live-action adaptation as the evil queen, was already attached to the movie back in 2017, with Justin Kurzel set to direct. Now the movie, which will be co-produced by Gadot and Varsano’s Pilot Wave Productions, has a new director, Niki Caro. She is the New Zealand director behind Jennifer Lopez’s “The Mother” and “Mulan.”
“Ruin” is Caro’s second Holocaust film. Her first, “The Zookeeper’s Wife,” based on a true story, featured another Israeli star as a Holocaust survivor. Shira Haas played Urszula, a young Jew rescued by the wife of the zookeeper of Warsaw, who along with her husband helped hide many of the city’s Jews during the Nazi occupation of the Polish capital. Haas, who was in the latest Captain America flick, was also present at Gadot’s recent Hollywood Walk of Fame Star unveiling ceremony.
Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts, once described as “the most versatile beefcake actor of our time,” is attached to play the unnamed “Captain.” Schoenaerts, known for his award-winning role in “Rust and Bone” and “The Danish Girl,” most recently starred in David O. Russel’s “Amsterdam” and the Kate Winslet-helmed show “The Regime.”
