On January 31, 2025, the Polish film 'Nieprzyjaciel,' directed by Michał Krzywicki, made its highly anticipated premiere, showcasing riveting performances and psychological twists. The film captivates audiences through its exploration of deep emotional terrain and dark secrets, weaving together complex relationships against the backdrop of the stunning Mazurian forests.
Set primarily at the luxurious villa 'Kruk,' the story revolves around Ania, played by Martyna Byczkowska, who manages the property for wealthy guests seeking respite. Among her latest visitors are two couples: the charismatic Leon portrayed by Michał Żurawski alongside the alluring Eleni (Joanna Opozda), and the affable Bruno, played by Piotr Stramowski, with his girlfriend Magda (Katarzyna Sawczuk). Tensions rise as Bruno recognizes Ania, leading to the unsettling realization of her connection to Leon; Ania's sister was previously Leon's girlfriend, meeting a tragic end when a bomb destroyed his car, which Ania testified against him for. This testimony led to Leon’s imprisonment for eight years, raising questions of justice and truth.
Despite the ominous shadow of their past, Leon appears to disregard the gravity of the situation, indulging instead in the pleasures of Masuria, entangled in shady cryptocurrencies. He, alongside Bruno, has invested significant amounts of money belonging to his boss, hoping to reap illicit profits within 24 hours. Meanwhile, as Ania recognizes Leon and contemplates escaping the villa, she finds herself caught between her responsibilities and haunting memories.
After sharing drinks with Leon, Ania wakes the following morning with no recollection of the night before, only to find herself with a bloody knife clutched in her hand. The film escalates from here, filled with psychological tension and unexpected developments.
"Ten film ogląda się w napięciu i to jest to - mówi Piotr Stramowski o 'Nieprzyjacielu'," he stated during interviews, highlighting the gripping nature of the film. Director Michał Krzywicki also commented on the film's intense emotional stakes, referencing the need for actors to navigate high-pressure performances multiple times over long shooting days.
Krzywicki emphasized, "Często jest tak, i to też nie jest złe, że powstaje coś zupełnie innego... ważne jest mieć cel, ale potem trzeba mieć na tyle elastyczności, żeby w miarę, jak się rozwijają różne wydarzenia, ten cel mógł się elastycznie zmieniać." This adaptability was necessary as the cast worked through challenging day-to-day scenes to maintain the film's emotional authenticity.
Stramowski reflected on the actor's experience, characterizing the set environment as both intensely collaborative and occasionally contentious, acknowledging the diverse temperaments of the cast. "Mieliśmy ciężkie poranki i trudne kładzenie się spać... to się udzielało," he shared, illustrating the toll the emotional rollercoaster had on the actors. Their commitment to portraying complex characters and maintaining high emotional dynamics created memorable performances, adding depth to the story and rich connections among the cast.
Overall, 'Nieprzyjaciel' offers viewers not just immense thrills but also thought-provoking narratives wrapped within the psychological intricacies of its characters. The film's ability to hold tension, explode with emotion, and unravel human complexity makes it a remarkable addition to Polish cinema. Anticipation rises for future works from both director Krzywicki and the prominent cast following this gripping premiere.