Strong and disciplined Kuba is sideswiped by the feelings unearthed when he meets handsome Mikal. Their connection is instantaneous and intoxicating, leaving Kuba to grapple with conflicting emotions. Suddenly his comfortable life with his girlfriend Sylwie is less interesting, and after training for fifteen years, his motivation to compete as a top-tier athlete dissipates. Unable to deny himself any longer, Kuba begins a relationship with Mikal. As Sylwie’s dreams of a life with Kuba slip away, Kuba accepts who he is and what he wants, only to find himself drowning in the destruction of his desires.

This intimate and bold second feature from Polish director Tomasz Wasilewski captures the myriad consequences of finding love in forbidden places. Mikal’s love acts as a vessel of self-liberation for Kuba amid the restrictive structures of Warsaw. With symbolism and an artful eye, Wasilewski illustrates the often-twisted nature of life, as the young men find happiness in each other within a dogmatic society.

—Holly Voges