By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Magnus von Horn
Starring: Aleksandra Konieczna | Julian Swiezewski | Lech Lotocki | Magdalena Kolesnik | Magdalena Kuta | Zbigniew Zamachowski
Country: poland, sweden
Year: 2021
Running time: 106
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12443946/reference
Michael says: “Swedish writer/director Magnus Van Horn traveled to Poland to make his second feature film about the self-involved, soul-harrowing life of a celebrity Instagram influencer. Sylwia is a fitness guru, whose positive energy, warm persona, and energetic workouts we first see in the opening minutes of the film in a shiny, modern shopping mall. After the workout, her devotees flock to her and she rewards them with hugs, selfies, and effusive praise and encouragement. As she and her workout partner, Klaudiusz, head back to their changing room, the mask slips a touch, but only momentarily, and only with a flutter across her face. For the most part, Slywia buys whole-heartedly into her persona. As the film progresses, we see what Slywia’s life is truly like, living alone, feeling somewhat isolated other than her beloved little dog, constantly checking her Insta feed and posting videos that feature various product endorsements When, in a moment of humanity, Slywia posts an emotional video discussing her abject loneliness and desire for someone wto care for her, allowing actual, real tears to be shed, one of her sponsors gets a little concerned, and sends her a cautionary message through her agent. As Slywia wrestles with this dichotomy of a public persona and a personal life, she notices a man parked out she of her condo building watching her as she plays with her dog. She confronts him, banging on his car window and discovers him masturbating while he watches her. This discover, and a subsequent apology the man sends through IG, sharing his own abject loneliness stirs both disgust and a bit of pride knowing she has her own stalker. Things spiral downward, drawing Sylwia into a violent late night encounter that forces her to confront her life in realities terms.
“In what appears to be her first lead role, 31-year-old Magdalena Kolesnik turns i a nuanced, tour de force performance, capturing the seemingly industry-made celebrity, with a real vulnerability of a young woman struggling with her life. Moments of narcissism blend with true empathy in striking scenes including a chance encounter with a high school friend, and an awkward family birthday gathering for her mother, with whom she has a rather distant relationship. Van Horn does a terrific job balancing the two aspects of Slywia’s life in a way that rings true, and both compels and horrifies us. The final moments of the film beautifully capture the struggle Sylwia face, and shows the viewer the humanity sometimes buried deeply beneath the veneer of celebrity. It’s not an innovative story, but it’s a very well-told one. 4 1/2 cats“