

Rachel Weisz's new film Denial is about historian Deborah Lipstadt's famous case against Holocaust denier David Irving, and it's a topic that resonates with her on a personal level.
Both of Weisz's parents are Jewish refugees from Eastern Europe, and her mother managed to escape Austria before the Holocaust thanks to a reverend in England.
"My mom, she got out of Austria, the first country to fall to Hitler, in 1939," Weisz recently revealed. "Anti-Semitic laws had been passed already, so it was a very anti-Semitic climate. My mom's dad had a friend in England named Rev. James Parkes who was a scholar on anti-Semitism. He got my mom and her family out—he saved their lives. When I told Deborah this story, she said, 'I teach him in my class. He's one of the most important writers on British anti-Semitism.'"
Lipstadt (who worked closely with Weisz in preparation for Denial) sent one of Parkes' books to the actress on set, which ended up being used as a prop in the film. "It was quite moving for me," she said. "The man who saved my mother is connected to Deborah."
Weisz filmed parts of the movie in Auschwitz, and tells Time that it's important to remember how recently the crimes committed there took place: "There was something disconnected from humanity. You stop to think, How does a human get to a place where that was okay? A lot of people say, 'It happened ages ago—let's get over it.' Historically, it's a minute ago. My parents were children."
Watch the preview for Denial below.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Sofia Richie Grainge's Favorite Foundation is On Sale Right Now at Sephora
There's no better time to try them than now.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Makeup Brush Sets for Creating the Perfect Looks
Options for makeup experts and beginners alike.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Meg Bellamy of ‘The Crown’ Was Nervous to Recreate Kate Middleton’s Iconic Charity Fashion Show Walk
“I would love her to think fondly of it.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors