Director Taika Waititi’s new film, “Jojo Rabbit,” opens Nov. 8 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. Continuing to show is “Greener Grass.”
Waititi (director of “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”) injects his signature mix of humor and pathos in “Jojo Rabbit,” a World War II satire. The story follows Jojo, a lonely German boy (played by Roman Griffin Davis), as his world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in the attic.
Aided by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler (Waititi), Jojo must confront his blind nationalism after the discovery.
“Jojo Rabbit,” which is rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, disturbing imagery, violence and language, shows through Nov. 21.
“Greener Grass” is showing at the Ross through Nov. 14.
Set in a Day-Glo, bizarre version of suburbia where adults wear braces on already-straight teeth, everyone drives golf carts and children magically transform into golden retrievers, “Greener Grass” follows a passive-aggressive battle of wills between soccer moms and best friends Jill (Jocelyn DeBoer) and Lisa (Dawn Luebbe).
The silent conflict turns sinister when Lisa begins systematically taking over every aspect of Jill’s life — starting with her newborn daughter. Meanwhile, a psycho yoga teacher killer is on the loose, Jill’s husband has developed a curious taste for pool water, and Lisa is pregnant with a soccer ball.
“Greener Grass” is a feature debut for DeBoer and Luebbe, who double as writers/directors of the production. They will attend a 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 screening of the film and take part in a question-and-answer session with the audience.
For more information, including show times, call for 402-472-5353 or visit the Ross website.
