Tartarus

Set in the early 1910s, Tartarus is a dynamic Austrian-German mystery war drama directed by Stefan Müller and featuring Moritz Thate, Martin Kroissenbrunner, and Ines Gruber in crucial roles. The film's title refers to the deep, dungeon-like abyss in Greek mythology where the ancient gods cast the most malevolent entities, signifying the grim and dire themes embedded within the movie.

The narrative centers around Arthur Hoffmann (Moritz Thate), a committed and valiant Austrian-Hungarian officer whose life takes a drastic turn during the eve of World War I. A fortuitous encounter with a mysterious stranger leads him to a cryptic item that bears an eerie resemblance to the famous Voynich manuscript, a medieval document written in an unknown language with a peculiar symbol system.

Upon delving deeper into the mysteries of the manuscript, Hoffmann begins to realize the dangerous implications surrounding this artifact and the potentially harrowing consequences it holds for humanity. With his military career in the backdrop, Hoffmann has to tread the narrow path of cryptanalysis, all while trying to keep the manuscript's existence under wraps, lest it falls into the wrong hands.

As the obscure war looms, Tartarus exposes viewers to the world of cryptology and early 20th-century European politics, explicitly showcasing the power dynamics at play and the constant palpable tension between the different factions. It paints a vivid picture of pre-war Europe, goose-stepping steadily towards the impending global catastrophe and its prevailing social and political climate.

Foregrounding the narrative is Martin Kroissenbrunner’s character, a wily German operative who becomes a thorn in Hoffmann's side, as well as Ines Gruber, who portrays the female lead, whose unwavering commitment to peace stands in stark contrast to the swirling storm of conflict.

A dramatic tour de force, Tartarus is not just a thrilling foray into the lanes of cryptanalysis and espionage. It's a significant commentary on the human condition during war times, underscoring the length individuals go to safeguard what they hold dear, often teetering on the brink of their moral compass. The movie thrives on its engrossing narrative and plot twists, weaving in elements of suspense, mystery, and political intrigue, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

Adding weight to the gripping storyline is the powerful performance by Moritz Thate. His portrayal of an officer torn between his inherent loyalty to his country and his growing realization of the ominous portents held by the manuscript he deciphers, is both moving and engaging. Similarly, Martin Kroissenbrunner imbues his character with an enticing ambiguity, while Ines Gruber's portrayal lends a vibrant and humanistic edge to the drama.

One of Tartarus's biggest strengths lies in its period-correct set design and atmospheric cinematography. The film's visuals transport viewers back to the early 20th century, perfectly capturing the austere beauty of pre-war Europe while immersing viewers into the tense, austere atmosphere of the era.

The ploys, counter-ploys, dramatic revelations, and cryptic hints presented in Tartarus are further enchased by a haunting and rousing musical score, intensifying the overall appeal of the project. The film fascinatingly manages to keep itself rooted to the ground with these authentic historic touches, even while venturing into supernatural and metaphysical terrain.

To conclude, Tartarus is a film that deftly maps the threshold of World War I, exploring narratives of cryptic mysteries, warfare, personal struggles, and shifting allegiances. It takes its audience on a thrilling journey into the abyss, as it presents an almost gothic exploration of the human spirit faced with impending disaster and complex moral decisions. As such, it is a seminal film for anyone interested in historical dramas of war and mystery.