Zjednoczone stany miłości (2016)

„Tomasz Wasilewski’s 2016 film, ‚Zjednoczone Stany Miłości’ (United States of Love), unfolds in the tumultuous aftermath of the fall of the Polish People’s Republic. Set in the early months of 1990, the film captures a nation in the midst of transformation, where the echoes of the past linger despite the newfound freedom. Against this backdrop, four ostensibly content women of varying ages find themselves bound by an irresistible desire to alter the course of their lives.

At the heart of the narrative is Agata, portrayed by Julia Kijowska, a young mother trapped in a passionless marriage. Despite the prevailing atmosphere of liberation, Agata seeks an escape in an impossible love affair, yearning for fulfillment that seems elusive within the confines of her current relationship. The film masterfully navigates the complexities of Agata’s emotional landscape, portraying her internal struggle against the backdrop of a society in flux.

Renata, played by Dorota Kolak, is a teacher captivated by her younger neighbor Marzena, played by Marta Nieradkiewicz, a provincial beauty queen whose husband works in West Germany. Renata’s fascination with Marzena becomes a focal point, illustrating the interplay between desire and societal constraints. Wasilewski weaves a poignant tale of unspoken longings and forbidden connections, drawing the audience into the intricacies of relationships that defy the conventions of the time.

Meanwhile, Iza, Marzena’s sister and the school’s director, portrayed by Magdalena Cielecka, carries her own secret burden. Engaging in a clandestine affair with the father of one of her students, Iza embodies the complexity of personal relationships in a society undergoing radical change. The film skillfully explores the blurred boundaries between public and private spheres, illuminating the challenges faced by individuals navigating the uncharted waters of post-communist Poland.

Set in a small town post-PRL, the film subtly dismantles the façade of happiness that the four women project. Despite their varying ages, they share a common thread – the solitary confinement within unfulfilled love. Agata’s dissatisfaction with her marriage, Renata’s infatuation with Marzena, and Iza’s clandestine affair all serve as manifestations of the women’s yearning for significant changes in their lives.

The cinematography and visual aesthetics of ‚Zjednoczone Stany Miłości’ mirror the emotional turbulence of its characters. The muted color palette and evocative framing capture the essence of a society in transition. The director employs a delicate touch, allowing the audience to witness the internal struggles of the characters as they grapple with societal expectations and personal desires.

As the film unfolds, the viewer becomes entangled in the intricate web of relationships, secrets, and unfulfilled desires. Wasilewski’s storytelling prowess lies in his ability to evoke empathy for characters navigating a world in flux, torn between the constraints of the past and the uncertain promise of the future. ‚Zjednoczone Stany Miłości’ stands as a poignant exploration of human connection, capturing the essence of a pivotal moment in Polish history and the universal pursuit of love and fulfillment.”