When you get yourself a drink, have your blanket ready and make yourself comfortable on a sofa to watch some Netflix, you probably do not initially consider watching a Polish production. Although Polish cinematography might not be your first choice, there has never been a better time to discover what this country has to offer for movie and series lovers.
In the past decade, Poland has developed massively in terms of offered entertainment – from brick-and-mortar music clubs to best Polish online casinos and top-notch quality theatres, the country has clearly stepped up its game. Today we are looking at some of the very best movies and series available on the popular streaming platform. Find out our top Netflix recommendations and get inspired for your next cosy night-in!
The Mire
This series will not only briefly walk you through the recent history of Poland but will also transport you to the 1980s when the world on this side of the world would look very different to what we know now. The action takes place in a small, calm town. Its peaceful routine gets disturbed by a horrifying murder in the woods.
A seemingly clear case becomes more complex with time and more and more people become potential suspects. A real crime story with the twist we all would not expect to happen.
The Woods
It is not just The Mire that takes us to the Polish woods, as there is another series which focuses on this landscape. But there is more to it. The Woods is not just a random story but an adaptation of Harlan Coben’s piece. This captivating thriller takes us back and forth between the past and presence.
Once a group of adventurous youngsters, today busy adults with hundreds of worries on their heads – the main movie characters must face some unpleasant facts and answer difficult questions. A missing sister, dead bodies found in the woods and many mysteries that must be solved – this nostalgic series emphasises the power of friendship, first loves, passion and dedication that we all should never undermine.
The Hater
Who set boundaries and when does one know where they are? Tomasz, The Hater’s main character, clearly balances on the edge and likes to play with fire. Law school expulsion, plagiarism, and privacy rights violation – the list of Tomasz’s inglorious behaviours is long. But his temper can be seen as both blessing and curse, as it leads him to the powerful worlds of social media and politics.
His career and success go in hand with more and more extreme decisions. The tricky ways of succeeding through promotion of xenophobia and racism are only a beginning and what follows is nothing but a hurtful outcome for all involved. Broken dreams, lost love and a fall from the top – The Hater teaches us all a very important lesson.
365 Days
One of the most-watched Netflix movies of the past year and the production with zero percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes – what is the phenomenon of 365 Days? Although broadly called as one of the worst movies released in recent years, this production offers something the Netflix community has not yet seen on the platform. This erotic thriller is based on novels by Blanka Lipi?ska who clearly likes to stimulate one’s imagination.
A Polish actress Anna-Maria Sieklucka and an Italian actor Michele Morrone get involved in a very untraditional relationship with, let’s say, particular dynamics. Some critics say the movie promotes rape culture, manipulation, and Stockholm syndrome but, regardless of all that, the film continues to attract massive audiences.
1983
Looking for something darker, almost on the verge of sci-fi? 1983 is an alt-history thriller which pictures Poland under totalitarian rule. Set in an alternative 2003, we follow a young idealistic law student who teams up with a shady inspector hoping to solve a murder case and uncover a plot threatening the regime.
This dystopian film evokes Orwellian concepts of authoritarianism thanks to the gripping and suspenseful plot. The cast of 1983 is nothing but the crème de la crème of the Polish cinematography who clearly deserve some serious recognition outside of their home country.