A piano student in Warsaw returns to his hometown for a vacation, where nothing has changed since his departure. But what could have been an idyllic holiday reunion with the friends and lovers left behind becomes a tense confrontation, when the atmosphere sours between the youths and the owners of the kebab bar where they spend their time, an example of the xenophobia and nationalism that permeate Poland.
Two pianist brothers united by the study of music, are also two young men looking for their space in a toxic male group. You’re either their equal or you’re outcast, there’s no in-between. And since what you want to be isn’t exactly what you are, or what you imagine you are, you’re screwed! Based on a true story and seeking to work with non-actors, the director applies to the film several variations of rhythm and story, much in the manner of the musical compositions that punctuate the film, such as some nocturnes by Chopin or by Szymanowski. These (real) brothers are really learning to play those compositions and this difficulty (or the knack) is brought into the film in a very interesting way. The inability to act, the powerlessness of the individual in the face of the group or the fear of rejection make all the options difficult for those who don’t feel exactly the same way. And will these anxieties ever go away? Will the adult phase be the time to heal these wounds? (Miguel Valverde)
