Poland has been living under right wing Catholic government for last 8 years. There even some towns in rural areas that proudly claim the status of gay free places. This kind of repression never works in the long run and it's starting to show. There are less than half Catholic priests ordained these days then even a decade ago. This quirky, imperfect flick brings a fresh view at the digital generation that seeks information and guidance from social media. Stodgy, dour, ultra conservative officials are losing their malignant influence and there isn't much they can do about it. Quick paced, original movie for the new era.
7 Reviews
One of the better queer pieces of media on netflix
jjas-2579026 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I found this movie through Netflix's pride section. I watched it with English dubbing (mentioning this because sometimes translations can slightly change the meaning/feel of scenes and characters). I also cannot comment on how this movie represents the state of how LGBT+ people are treated in Poland as I have no knowledge/ experience with it and it's not my place to do so.
I enjoyed the story and how Tosiek finally found himself after feeling angry and confused for so long as it's something very relatable to a lot of the queer community including myself. I liked how the movie also included other characters with LGBT+ identities as well and included scenes that normalised it as being part of the human experience as it should be. I also enjoyed that it included the perspective of Tosiek's father and how he was initially apprehensive about embracing Tosiek's identity but was able to come around after learning about other people's experiences. It shows other parents that they still have the opportunity to learn and come to embrace their children's identities which can make a person growing into their identity feel like they can exist (which should be the minimum that every parent wants for their child).
The thing I didn't like was how some events happened seemingly so abruptly with no proper reason or explanation. The first example is Maks' sudden change in attitude towards Tosiek and other people with queer identities- I've never seen such a fundamental change happen so fast for no particular reason. The next is Roxana's story. I feel as though none of the events that happened with her had any adequate explanations and he character felt unrooted to the story- her and her story need more explanation as they felt neglected. The last one I want to mention is the ending where Leon just goes back to his parents who don't accept him and quits his scholarship. I feel as though that happened out of nowhere as the event that lead him to doing that was not severe enough to warrant that large of a reaction. So Leon does all these dramatic things and then Tosiek hugs him and it's all roses again? The ending felt strange.
I understand that this movie was adapted from a book so the book may have more explanation in it but I have not read the book so those story points seemed odd to me.
Overall, it was enjoyable and I would say that this is a positive step in the right direction for LGBT+ movies.
I enjoyed the story and how Tosiek finally found himself after feeling angry and confused for so long as it's something very relatable to a lot of the queer community including myself. I liked how the movie also included other characters with LGBT+ identities as well and included scenes that normalised it as being part of the human experience as it should be. I also enjoyed that it included the perspective of Tosiek's father and how he was initially apprehensive about embracing Tosiek's identity but was able to come around after learning about other people's experiences. It shows other parents that they still have the opportunity to learn and come to embrace their children's identities which can make a person growing into their identity feel like they can exist (which should be the minimum that every parent wants for their child).
The thing I didn't like was how some events happened seemingly so abruptly with no proper reason or explanation. The first example is Maks' sudden change in attitude towards Tosiek and other people with queer identities- I've never seen such a fundamental change happen so fast for no particular reason. The next is Roxana's story. I feel as though none of the events that happened with her had any adequate explanations and he character felt unrooted to the story- her and her story need more explanation as they felt neglected. The last one I want to mention is the ending where Leon just goes back to his parents who don't accept him and quits his scholarship. I feel as though that happened out of nowhere as the event that lead him to doing that was not severe enough to warrant that large of a reaction. So Leon does all these dramatic things and then Tosiek hugs him and it's all roses again? The ending felt strange.
I understand that this movie was adapted from a book so the book may have more explanation in it but I have not read the book so those story points seemed odd to me.
Overall, it was enjoyable and I would say that this is a positive step in the right direction for LGBT+ movies.
Predictable and mediocre, passes the time
reviewer1717 November 2023
Plot wise, this movie really fell short. Each step after another was exactly what you'd expect, and it wasn't even what you wanted to happen either. It lacked realism in its characters and purpose in its narrative.
More on that realism note: who 'figures out' they're transgender, comes out to their family, crush, and school, cuts their hair, begins transitioning, and picks a new name, all in ONE SINGLE day? This felt so artificial, as though the character was meant to exist as a girl with different gender expression, that jumping to these conclusions was rapid and unbalanced. I think Tosiek had great potential in a miniseries or something, but in a movie this all felt rushed and over extended. One day is too much to learn and admit all this about yourself.
The 'fanfic' part for which this film is named also was somewhat disappointing. It didn't seem intentional and it didn't lead anywhere. Tosiek's interpretations of others seemed stereotypical and somewhat offensive at times. The insight it gave into their mind ended up making them seem kind of self centered and ignorant. (Ignorant may be a strong word- more like nonchalant to a fault. Self idolizing in a way). Great concept, but again, I think it needed a miniseries at least to fully develop.
The editing of the film is visually pleasing, but I think they could have done more with the emphasis on atmosphere. The locations felt very simple and could have used more personality.
Character wise, Tosiek begins as an uncomfortable narrator and ends as such too. They rely heavily on bad decisions and placebo effects from medication that only works consistently, at the right dose, over time. Tosiek's father's character development again feels rushed, only taking a few days to come around to what seems like a rapid and unsupported decision (not that there is anything wrong with transitioning- doing all the steps in one day is an indicator of something not quite being right though). Leon felt a little more 'real'- we got more insight into his values and struggles in a clearer way. The side characters all have little loose ends but mostly make up a sensical whole.
Anyway, TLDR; pretty big plot holes and struggles. Editing and great actors make up for it somewhat. Worth a watch, but not something to call home about.
More on that realism note: who 'figures out' they're transgender, comes out to their family, crush, and school, cuts their hair, begins transitioning, and picks a new name, all in ONE SINGLE day? This felt so artificial, as though the character was meant to exist as a girl with different gender expression, that jumping to these conclusions was rapid and unbalanced. I think Tosiek had great potential in a miniseries or something, but in a movie this all felt rushed and over extended. One day is too much to learn and admit all this about yourself.
The 'fanfic' part for which this film is named also was somewhat disappointing. It didn't seem intentional and it didn't lead anywhere. Tosiek's interpretations of others seemed stereotypical and somewhat offensive at times. The insight it gave into their mind ended up making them seem kind of self centered and ignorant. (Ignorant may be a strong word- more like nonchalant to a fault. Self idolizing in a way). Great concept, but again, I think it needed a miniseries at least to fully develop.
The editing of the film is visually pleasing, but I think they could have done more with the emphasis on atmosphere. The locations felt very simple and could have used more personality.
Character wise, Tosiek begins as an uncomfortable narrator and ends as such too. They rely heavily on bad decisions and placebo effects from medication that only works consistently, at the right dose, over time. Tosiek's father's character development again feels rushed, only taking a few days to come around to what seems like a rapid and unsupported decision (not that there is anything wrong with transitioning- doing all the steps in one day is an indicator of something not quite being right though). Leon felt a little more 'real'- we got more insight into his values and struggles in a clearer way. The side characters all have little loose ends but mostly make up a sensical whole.
Anyway, TLDR; pretty big plot holes and struggles. Editing and great actors make up for it somewhat. Worth a watch, but not something to call home about.
Imperfect, and somehow real.
kitprosk2 April 2024
The story is not only about an about teenager, nonetheless is just a transitioning movie, is a depiction of many of the feelings that someone has when they can never be comfortable with themselves. And it was perfectly made.
I believe this movie can't really be appreciated unless there is a motive of connection with Tosiek, or any other of the characters.
Which I believe is the strongest point of the movie, a relatable factor. And it's fine, not all movies are for everyone, does not mean they're bad, just not for you.
I do believe has some flaws in how the story is told, because it tells too much in too little, a little longer movie or a short series could've been the answer. However I've noticed that there is a mistake on what people perceived and is that all the events do not happen in only one day, there is a longer story line, I mean like "weeks storyline", but it isn't fully drawn when portrayed either on the script or by the editors.
Could be on purpose to show how disconnected was Tosiek was from reality, or a mistake on the design of the division of days, but it doesn't happen in only one day.
The movie is a great vent of feelings and portrays many factors of reality. Even with this timeline flaw, it's a really good queer portrayal, and it's a really good pioneer on achillean relationships that are not conformed by cisgender people.
I believe this movie can't really be appreciated unless there is a motive of connection with Tosiek, or any other of the characters.
Which I believe is the strongest point of the movie, a relatable factor. And it's fine, not all movies are for everyone, does not mean they're bad, just not for you.
I do believe has some flaws in how the story is told, because it tells too much in too little, a little longer movie or a short series could've been the answer. However I've noticed that there is a mistake on what people perceived and is that all the events do not happen in only one day, there is a longer story line, I mean like "weeks storyline", but it isn't fully drawn when portrayed either on the script or by the editors.
Could be on purpose to show how disconnected was Tosiek was from reality, or a mistake on the design of the division of days, but it doesn't happen in only one day.
The movie is a great vent of feelings and portrays many factors of reality. Even with this timeline flaw, it's a really good queer portrayal, and it's a really good pioneer on achillean relationships that are not conformed by cisgender people.
A story of self-discovery, unity and optimism
leechaerinne24 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I agree with everything said in the commends, so I'll just add an extra bit; the movie could be read like it has a subjective narrator (Tosiek) that walks between daydreaming/the fictional and reality. That is not clearly indicated in the film (except from the fanfic story that is parallel with the actual events of the film), however it could be seen that way.
It does feel like Tosiek only see his point of view, problems, etc, but we're in his own world, see the story from his point of view, where he goes through such a personal development. He only sees parts of people that affect him and his life, so perhaps that's why we don't learn more about Leon or Roxana or other characters; but they do feel three dimensional, like they have lives of their own the narrative simply doesn't explore.
The story, through his eyes, also feels a bit purposely romanticized. How events play out and eventually work out in the end. Just like, many times, it happens in a fanfic. A fictitious, comforting world we can project onto and control our destiny.
I may be reading too much into it, but the film felt interesting and inspiring. Perhaps not perfect or strictly realistic, but that's the point of art, I feel, to move us and make us think.
It does feel like Tosiek only see his point of view, problems, etc, but we're in his own world, see the story from his point of view, where he goes through such a personal development. He only sees parts of people that affect him and his life, so perhaps that's why we don't learn more about Leon or Roxana or other characters; but they do feel three dimensional, like they have lives of their own the narrative simply doesn't explore.
The story, through his eyes, also feels a bit purposely romanticized. How events play out and eventually work out in the end. Just like, many times, it happens in a fanfic. A fictitious, comforting world we can project onto and control our destiny.
I may be reading too much into it, but the film felt interesting and inspiring. Perhaps not perfect or strictly realistic, but that's the point of art, I feel, to move us and make us think.
Felt fast paced and slightly confusing but real at the same time
sillylittleraccoonboy5 April 2024
I loved this movie as confusing and fast paced as it was. I am a trans boy myself and felt Tosieks story of learning about himself was fast paced sure but beautiful none the less! I remember looking at myself the same way when i cut my hair and it felt very real. Not to mention the fact the actor is trans himself which makes it feel more real as well. Tosiek is so pretty too and as a hopeless romantic I loved the romance part of it. The story itself is sorta confusing but other than that i loved it. Im also a trans boy who writes fanfiction so to see him using it as a outlet felt very cool to me <3 overall liked it!
Almost realistic trans representation
chrysva-2005213 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The film is well developed, very well demonstrated. The film doesn't try too hard to represent the trans community, but it manages to show everything in a very pleasant and realistic way, I believe it is one of the best films with this theme. The main couple is very pleasant, cute and very well developed, and their insecurities and flaws are very resolved.
The only thing that stops the film from being a masterpiece is the fact that some things are very utopian, they are resolved very peacefully, that doesn't make it a bad film, but it still makes it less realistic.
The ending has a bit of loose ends, I believe there was a little lack of explanation of what happened after everything.
The only thing that stops the film from being a masterpiece is the fact that some things are very utopian, they are resolved very peacefully, that doesn't make it a bad film, but it still makes it less realistic.
The ending has a bit of loose ends, I believe there was a little lack of explanation of what happened after everything.
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