Giegżno’s and Liss’ chemistry is just irresistible in this poignant drama about a love story against all odds. Światłoczuła seems like a breath of fresh air in a stiff and fossilised Polish cinema.  

Tadeusz Śliwa’s romantic drama was slightly ignored by audiences at Polish cinemas, probably because of its lack of star power. Instead, we got two rather unknown, yet still prominent young actors; these are Matylda Giegżno, playing a blind Agata (her acting is sometimes reminiscent of Al Pacino from Scent of a Woman), and Ignacy Liss, who stars as Robert, a talented and aspiring photographer. Their unexpected meeting will change everything.

It’s a rapport based on contrasts. Although Agata can’t see and deals with some past traumas, she works with troubled youth and lives her best life (to paraphrase). Conversely, Robert, who has all the requirements to become successful, acts like a stranger, always skittish and chuntering. There is a family tragedy behind Robert’s attitude, ready to be uncovered by Agata’s inquisitive nature. Through their endless supplies of inner empathy, Agata and Robert will together become better people. No hurdles will tear them apart.

Their relationship (or a feeling of love, call it what you want) is chiselled by Śliwa carefully (but also rather sluggish), as it takes time for the audience to feel any sparks between both actors. But, when they’re finally there, miracles start happening, on screen. There hasn’t been any screen chemistry like this in Polish cinema since the affection between Tomasz Kot and Joanna Kulig in Paweł Pawlikowski’s Cold War, in 2018.

Now, this tiny miracle is available on Polish Netflix, becoming an instant hit, due to the critical acclaim and the viewers’ love towards the leading actors (“They just nailed it,” most of the comments tend to say). 

It’s a triumph, because Światłoczuła feels like a visual adaptation of all those powerful emotions often contained in Jack Antonoff’s love songs. It will make you feel love, anger, sadness and joy at the same time. In other words, Światłoczuła will want you to embrace life fully.

Photo: press, Kino Świat

4/5 stars

Author: Jan Tracz