Watch Dreszcze

Dreszcze is a Polish drama film directed by Wojciech Marczewski in 1981, set in the era of the communist regime in the 1980s. The movie revolves around a protagonist, Janek, who returns home to Poland from Germany after seven years. Janek's journey is tempestuous as he confronts unfamiliar sights and sounds, which evoke memories of his past.

As the story unfolds, Janek begins to explore the unsettling atmosphere around him. The film effectively presents the anxiety and fear of the times. He visits his family in their small town and finds their lives to be monotonous as they work hard to make ends meet. He, on the other hand, is accustomed to the fast-paced life of Germany. He was a rebel and took part in protests, but now he finds his old comrades imprisoned or vanished without any information.

As time passes by, Janek's encounters with his friends old and new are increasingly marked by racism, misogyny, and general discrimination from the government. His girlfriend from the past, Iza, has changed a lot; she is now married and pregnant with twins. Janek becomes close to her husband, Andrzej, a former factory worker who takes up a janitor's job to make ends meet. Andrzej is also highly critical of the government, but he requests Janek to stay put and not go hotheaded about his ideals.

Dreszcze's storytelling is unique: the film doesn't have a concrete storyline, instead is an exercise in creating an atmosphere of discomfort, fear, and uncertainty throughout. The pacing is also slow, allowing the viewers to absorb the reality of how lives in Poland were at that time. As Janek moves around the town, different episodes of his life flash by - the viewer is never quite sure what's in store for Janek.

The themes of Dreszcze are highly relatable - the fear of losing a loved one, the fear of being surveilled, and the fear of societal changes. The director effectively captures the tensions that existed between different factions in the country, especially as people began to question the authority of the communist regime. The visuals are also highly evocative - the bleak landscapes, the heavy filters used in the cinematography, and the use of sound to enhance the mood.

The performances in the movie are also commendable. Tomasz Hudziec, who plays Janek, is convincing in his portrayal of a man trying to come to terms with his own reality. Marek Kondrat, who plays Iza's husband Andrzej, is also excellent in his role as a man caught in the crossfire of the times. Teresa Marczewska, who plays Iza, is excellent in her portrayal of a woman caught between a past flame and a present marriage.

Overall, Dreszcze is a thought-provoking movie that transcends the constraints of the cinema. The film presents a picture of a time of turmoil and political upheaval, and the people who lived through it. Although it is set in Poland, the themes are universal, and any viewer can relate to them. Dreszcze is a must-watch for anyone interested in the human experience and how ordinary people cope with extraordinary circumstances.