Watch Satan Said Dance

Satan Said Dance is a Polish film from 2017 that explores the struggles of a young writer named Kasia (Marta Nieradkiewicz) as she navigates through the complexities of love, lust, and artistic expression. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Katarzyna Bonda and is directed by Katarzyna Roslaniec. The story revolves around Kasia, a journalist and writer who is struggling to find purpose in her life. She is in a long-term relationship with Tomek (Bartosz Gelner), a successful photographer, but their relationship is on the rocks due to Kasia's infidelity and emotional unavailability. Kasia finds solace in her writing, but even that is plagued by insecurities and a lack of motivation.

When Kasia is assigned to cover a story about a young girl's suicide, she becomes obsessed with the case and begins to research the girl's life. This leads her down a path of self-discovery and introspection, as she confronts her own demons and comes to terms with her past.

The film is set against the backdrop of modern Warsaw, and the visuals are used to great effect in capturing the city's energy and vibrancy. The cinematography is beautiful, with a mix of handheld shots and more deliberate, stylized sequences that make use of color and light.

The performances in Satan Said Dance are all excellent, but the standout is Marta Nieradkiewicz as Kasia. She imbues the character with a rawness and vulnerability that makes her journey all the more compelling. Bartosz Gelner also shines as Tomek, bringing a sense of authenticity to a character who could easily have been one-dimensional.

The themes of the film are universal, but they are explored in a uniquely Polish context. The film touches on issues such as the legacy of communism, the changing face of journalism, and the role of women in contemporary society. At its core, however, Satan Said Dance is a character study that is as honest as it is provocative.

This is not a film for everyone, however. The subject matter is often heavy and there are scenes of sex and drug use that may be off-putting to some viewers. But for those who are willing to take the journey, Satan Said Dance offers a powerful meditation on the human condition and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic world.

Overall, Satan Said Dance is a remarkable achievement that confirms Katarzyna Roslaniec as one of Poland's most exciting new filmmakers. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled, and it is a testament to the power of cinema to illuminate the darkest corners of the human psyche.