German director Robert Schwentke's historical docudrama is based on the true story of Willi Herold, a WWII war criminal known as the Executioner of Emsland. Max Hubacher stars as the notorious imposter who used a Nazi captain's uniform for abhorrent ends. He thoroughly abused his newfound authority by dispensing a sadistic brand of justice on the German army deserters and prisoners at an Emslandlager camp.