Polish landscape and rural life are beautifully shot in this fictional drama that portrays families living rooted in tradition and discomfort,  no doubt the effects of the last strong Soviet influence on Poland still project its shadow in the lives of the older ones in the small village.

We are introduced to young Bartek (Jan Hrynciewiez), who smoothly rides a horse during the initial credits sequence; afterward, we learn he sacrifices his life for a stable since his goal is to breed horses. Having a stud demands substantial funds and hiring workers though… 

Bartek works alone and is in charge of the family farm, he is also a waiter at the local bar during the night. He lives with his manipulative, drinker, and smoker mother Matka (Ewa Skibinska) who constantly threatens to sell the farm, there is no father, (flew to America and never came back) and a sister who left for Norway with her boyfriend.  Others in the community follow the pattern of leaving…  seems everyone flew from their nest one day.

Alcoholism is common among the villagers and one of the neighbors dies after a night of heavy drinking at the bar.  He had a son, Dawid (Jan Hrynciewiez) who left 15 years ago and comes back to town after his death.

Dawid returns and, by chance, Bartek goes and picks him up where a train stops.  There is a small incident with a dog that pictures Dawid as a kind and free man.  Afterward, we learn there is a tragedy on his side but in the meantime,  a deep bond of friendship and more flourishes and ties up Bartek and Dawid, it all begins one beautiful day while sitting on the grass, Dawid asking if he may smell Bartek, who among other things, is immediately attracted to Dawid´s care-free approach to life.   

As Manuel Puig said:  Small town, big hell…  In the Polish community, there is vicious talk,  homophobia, bullying and disrespect for the difference. Doors begin to close for Bartek and things around him change. 

This film is an intimate one, there is joy, happiness, and sadness, the sensibility on screen works as a mirror of the sunny and foggy landscape of a pond, mountains, and valleys,  and also refers to the cold weather that Dawid mentions. 

At the end, liberation comes, and there are new horizons and fresh air.

Elephant, is directed by Kamil Krawczycki will be released by TLA Releasing on September 26, 2023 on Amazon to Buy or Rent 

 

 

Review by José Mayorga , Guatemala, Central America lawyer and notary public, visual artist, and editor of El Azar Cultural, lives and works in Guatemala City. Cinema lover, curious about the possibilities life brings and eager to live the experience.