The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies
Based on testimony by Ethel’s brother, David Greenglass, the Rosenbergs are arrested by the FBI. The couple is accused of passing secret information about the atomic bomb to the USSR. Though the Rosenbergs maintain their innocence from the start, the media and public opinion seem to have condemned them from day one. The trial does nothing to change this and ends in a death sentence. On Friday June 19, 1953, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are executed in the electric chair. Julius first, then Ethel. 30 years later, the truth finally comes out. Declassified FBI archives reveal that Ethel was not guilty of being a spy; she was merely married to one. Julius did indeed commit espionage for the Soviet Union, though primarily as a recruiter, nothing at all like the fictional James Bond. This documentary, made entirely of archival footage and animated illustrations, offers a tale of espionage as well as a complex family tragedy.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
Your rating
Your review
Cast
2 people
Julia Bracher Director · Alexis Bruneel Composer Franck Zahler Editor
First release February 8, 2025 · Produced in France · Languages English, French
Production
ZED
Production
Siècle Productions
Production
France
Produced in
Languages
Original title
Les Rosenberg : des Espions au coeur de l'Amérique
Original language
French
Spoken on screen
English · French
Release dates
France · February 8, 2025
TV · France•3
No release date listed for United States.
Belgium
February 15, 2025 · TV · RTBF
France
March 15, 2026 · TV · France•5
August 15, 2026 · TV · LCP - Public Sénat
United Kingdom
September 2, 2025 · TV · PBS America
More from Julia Bracher
Other films they directed, best known first.
If you liked The Rosenbergs: Atomic Spies
Picks that share its genres, themes, cast and crew.
