Festivals: Erupcja (2025) by Pete Ohs: The Volcanic Heart of a Romance

About the movie: A Rom-Dram Eruption in Warsaw. This romantic drama is a collaborative and highly anticipated project from director Pete Ohs, known for his work in the independent film scene. It secretly went into production during the summer of 2024. The film features a unique blend of creative talent, with pop superstar Charli XCX and acclaimed playwright Jeremy O. Harris both co-starring and co-producing. The title, a Polish word for "eruption," serves as a literal and metaphorical symbol for the central story.

Short Summary: When the Earth Moves

Set in Warsaw, Poland, the film follows a Polish florist and a British tourist whose intense and "combustible" romantic relationship heats up as a real-life volcano erupts, stranding the visitor in the country. The film centers on Nel (Lena Góra), a florist living in Warsaw, and Bethany (Charli XCX), a British tourist visiting her with a new boyfriend. The title alludes to both the literal eruption of a volcano (a nod to the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption that stranded travelers in Europe) and the volcanic tension that begins to bubble between the two women, changing their lives forever

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33712666/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2025/film/global/charli-xcx-erupcja-magnify-toronto-premiere-1236493815/

About movie: https://magnify-films.com/erupcja

Detailed Summary: Love in the Time of Chaos

• The film opens in a quiet Warsaw flower shop, where Nel works a peaceful life. This is contrasted with the arrival of her old friend Bethany, who is in town with a new boyfriend, setting up a love triangle.

• The trio's relationship is complicated when news breaks of a volcanic eruption, grounding all air travel and forcing Bethany to extend her stay indefinitely. This unexpected turn of events puts immense pressure on the characters.

• As Bethany and Nel are forced to spend more time together, the film explores their past history and present feelings. The plot focuses on their "combustible chemistry," and their romantic tension is heightened by the backdrop of global chaos and isolation.

• The narrative is a character-driven study of a relationship on the brink of change. It explores the complexities of desire, friendship, and the difficult choices people make when their lives are turned upside down.

Director's Vision: The Spontaneous Art

An Unscripted and Authentic Filmmaking Style

• Director Pete Ohs is celebrated for his "spontaneous" filmmaking style. In interviews, he has likened his process to making an album, relying on a collaborative approach and the improvisational skills of his actors. He also served as the cinematographer and editor, ensuring a singular artistic vision.

• Ohs's goal was to create a "charming postcard of sapphic synchronicity" by capturing the genuine interactions and chemistry between his lead actors. The film was shot in a "secretive" manner in Warsaw to preserve this authenticity.

• The film is a departure from his previous work, which has been in the horror and comedy genres, demonstrating his versatility as a filmmaker.

Themes: The Eruption of the Heart

• Destiny vs. Chance: The film's central premise of a volcano literally changing the characters' lives explores the theme of fate and how major, uncontrollable events can force people to confront their true feelings and desires.

• The Complexity of Relationships: The film delves into the nuanced emotions of a budding relationship, exploring the line between platonic friendship and romantic love, all while navigating the added complexity of a love triangle.

• Emotional vs. Literal Eruptions: The title is a central theme, as the film uses the backdrop of a real-life volcanic eruption to mirror the emotional turmoil and explosive feelings of the characters.

Key Success Factors: Pop Star Power

A Unique and Unexpected Creative Team

• Charli XCX's Dramatic Debut: The casting of pop superstar Charli XCX in her first major dramatic film role has generated significant buzz, attracting a new audience to the independent film world. Her performance is expected to be a major talking point.

• A Collaborative Screenplay: The script was co-written by the director and the lead actors, including Charli XCX and Lena Góra, as well as Jeremy O. Harris. This unique process is expected to result in a film with authentic and powerful dialogue.

• A Strong Festival Premiere: The film's world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in the prestigious Centrepiece section guarantees it will receive significant attention and critical reviews from a global audience.

Awards and Nominations: A Festival Contender

An Official Selection at a Major Festival The film was an official selection in the Centrepiece section of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it will have its world premiere.

Critics Reception: Awaiting Review

Initial Buzz is Promising As of this date, the film has not premiered, so there are no official critic reviews available. However, the film's selection at TIFF has generated positive buzz and high anticipation from the press and industry insiders.

Overall Summary: There are no critic reviews available as the film has not been publicly screened. The initial buzz is positive, and the film is a highly anticipated title on the festival circuit.

Reviews: Awaiting Audience Reaction

Buzz on Social Media is High There are no user reviews available as the film has not been publicly screened. Social media buzz, however, is very positive, with many fans of Charli XCX and independent film expressing excitement for its premiere.

Overall Summary: The film has not been screened for the public, so no reviews are available.

Release date on streaming: Awaiting Announcement

A Theatrical First, Then Streaming The film does not have a wide theatrical or streaming release date announced yet. Its premiere is scheduled for the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025.

Theatrical Release: A Festival Run

Premiering at TIFF The film will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 4, 2025.

Why to Watch This Movie: An Unconventional Romance

A Glimpse into the Next-Gen Indie Scene

• For an Unconventional Romance: If you are a fan of romantic dramas that defy easy categorization and explore relationships in a unique setting, this film is for you.

• To Witness Charli XCX's Dramatic Debut: This is a rare opportunity to see a major pop star in a serious, independent film role.

• For a Genuinely Authentic Film: Pete Ohs's filmmaking style, which prioritizes spontaneity and collaboration, is expected to result in a film that feels authentic and deeply personal.

Movie Trend: Collaborative Indie Filmmaking

A Return to Raw Authenticity The film follows the trend of "collaborative filmmaking," where directors and actors work together to build the story and characters organically, often without a traditional, rigid script. This is an innovative and experimental approach that is becoming more common in the independent film world, resulting in films that feel more raw and personal.

Social Trend: The Unpredictable World

Finding Stability in a Chaotic World The film taps into the social trend of finding love and stability in a world of growing chaos and unpredictability. By setting a romantic drama against a backdrop of a global crisis, the film's characters are forced to find solace and connection in each other, a theme that resonates with modern anxieties about the future.

Final Verdict: A Highly Anticipated Festival Debut

A Promising and Unconventional Film Erupcja is a highly anticipated and promising film that is set to be a major talking point on the film festival circuit. With a unique blend of creative talent, an unconventional story, and an innovative filmmaking approach, it is a bold and refreshing take on the romantic drama genre. It is a film that will be both discussed and debated for its artistic choices, but it is a must-watch for anyone who wants to see the future of independent cinema.