Set in 18th century Germany, this controversial film tells the story of a Jew named Joseph Süß Oppenheimer, a shrewd man who enters the court of the Duchy of Württemberg as a financial advisor. As his influence grows, he becomes the confidant of the duke and earns the disdain of the people due to his power and wealth, which ignites envy and contempt among the aristocracy and ordinary citizens. Despite his intelligence and skills, Joseph faces profound antisemitism and social aversion that culminate in a narrative filled with intrigue, seduction, and betrayal.
As the plot unfolds, the protagonist tries to navigate his position in a hostile world. While his ambition provides him with advantages, it also unleashes a multitude of conflicts, leading to his eventual downfall. The tensions between his desire for acceptance and the reality of his marginalization reflect a broader struggle between power and vulnerability.
Using a striking visual style and memorable performances, the film raises questions about morality and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Through a tragic narrative, it unveils the complexity of the human condition in the face of prejudice, and how fear and ignorance can erode even the brightest of beings. All of this takes place in a context where the cultural environment is as oppressive as it is challenging, reflecting the dark and painful history that loomed over society at the time.