Festivals: Three Loves (2025) by Lukasz Grzegorzek: Passion, Obsession, and Control
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Love’s Dangerous Rebound Trzy miłości (Three Loves) is a Polish psychological drama following Lena, a 40-year-old actress rebuilding her life after divorce, only to spiral into a passionate but risky affair. Her obsessive ex-husband secretly monitors her, turning what begins as liberation into a tense battle for autonomy. Directed by Łukasz Grzegorzek, the film blends emotional intensity with elements of suspense, exploring modern love, toxic relationships, and personal freedom. It earned 1 nomination on the festival circuit, signaling international recognition for its daring approach.
Why to Watch This Movie – Emotional Intensity Meets Psychological Suspense
A Gritty, Realistic Portrait of Modern Love – The film doesn’t shy away from showing the raw, messy side of post-divorce romance. It feels authentic, reflecting how passion can turn complicated and dangerous.
Standout Performance by Marta Nieradkiewicz – As Lena, she brings vulnerability and defiance in equal measure. Her performance grounds the story, making Lena’s journey compelling and relatable.
Blend of Drama and Thriller Elements – The voyeuristic ex-husband subplot adds a tense, psychological-thriller layer to the romantic drama. This keeps the film from being just another love story.
Visually Stylish and Intimate – The cinematography uses warm tones for Lena’s moments of passion and cold, sterile visuals when showing surveillance scenes. This contrast deepens the emotional impact.
Where to watch (industry professionals): https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/three-loves
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37594827/
Link Review: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/mar/15/a-coachs-daughter-review-low-key-betrayal-on-the-teen-tennis-circuit
About movie: https://www.koskino.pl/pl/trzy-milosci/
What is the Trend Followed – European Relationship Realism. Romance Meets Psychological Thriller This film follows the European cinema trend of blending intimate romantic storytelling with psychological suspense. Similar to works like The Lost Daughter or Happening, it explores a woman’s inner life while placing her in a situation of growing danger, creating layered tension.
Director’s Vision – Łukasz Grzegorzek’s Risky Emotional Study
Focus on Female Subjectivity – Grzegorzek tells the story from Lena’s perspective, keeping viewers aligned with her emotions and fears. This invites empathy even as her choices become reckless.
Mixing Genres Seamlessly – The director combines melodrama with voyeuristic tension, creating a hybrid of romantic drama and psychological thriller. This keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.
Emphasis on Atmosphere Over Plot Twists – Rather than shocking the audience, Grzegorzek builds slow, simmering dread. The suspense comes from knowing what the ex is doing and waiting for confrontation.
Themes – Love, Control, and Autonomy
Obsession and Surveillance – The film critiques the way technology can enable control and emotional manipulation. Lena’s stalked existence reflects real-world anxieties about privacy and safety.
Female Empowerment and Desire – Lena’s romance with Kundel is both a reclamation of her sexual freedom and a risk to her stability. This duality is what makes the film so emotionally charged.
Toxic Masculinity and Possession – Jan’s inability to let go of Lena becomes a metaphor for patriarchal control over women’s choices. The film forces audiences to question where love ends and control begins.
Key Success Factors – Why It Works
Strong Central Triangle – The chemistry between Lena, Kundel, and Jan creates a volatile love triangle that drives the narrative forward. The emotional stakes remain high throughout.
Grounded Polish Setting – The urban backdrop feels realistic and immersive, giving the film a lived-in authenticity. It enhances the sense that this could happen to anyone.
Emotional Authenticity – The dialogue and performances feel natural, letting the drama play out without forced melodrama. This helps the film resonate with viewers looking for realism.
Awards & Nominations – Early Recognition
Trzy miłości received 1 nomination in European film competitions, drawing praise for its bold character work and its lead performance by Marta Nieradkiewicz. The recognition highlights its significance within contemporary Polish cinema.
Critics Reception – Tense, Human, and Unsettling
Kino Polska – Praised the film’s raw emotional honesty and strong lead performance. Critics noted that its strength lies in keeping viewers on edge without cheap thrills.
Filmweb – Highlighted the voyeuristic tension and psychological depth, calling it “a modern Polish take on Fatal Attraction.”
Cineuropa – Appreciated its exploration of control and surveillance but noted the pacing might feel slow for mainstream audiences.
Summary: Overall, critics commend the film for its daring mix of eroticism, emotional drama, and psychological tension. While the slower pace may not work for everyone, it offers a layered, mature story about love and obsession.
Reviews – Audience Reaction
Letterboxd – Users note the film is “moody and suffocating,” with praise for Marta Nieradkiewicz’s performance. Some viewers wished for a more explosive climax.
IMDb Users – Average rating hovers around 4.9/10, showing a mix of admiration for its acting and criticism of its slow pacing.
Summary: Viewers are divided — those looking for character-driven drama appreciate its depth, while others expecting a fast-paced thriller find it too subdued.
Release Date on Streaming
The film is expected to stream on Polish VOD platforms and European arthouse streaming services in late 2025. Wider international release may follow if it gains festival momentum.
Theatrical Release
Trzy miłości premiered in Poland on July 19, 2025, with a limited domestic release before heading to festivals abroad. Its theatrical run was modest but generated discussion for its daring subject matter.
Movie Trend – Intimate Psychological Drama
This film aligns with the growing trend of small-scale, emotionally intense European dramas that tackle love and obsession with realism rather than sensationalism.
Social Trend – Confronting Surveillance Culture
The use of a spy app and constant monitoring mirrors global conversations about privacy, control, and the darker side of technology. The film taps into anxieties about how easily personal freedom can be compromised.
Final Verdict – Bold, Provocative, and Intimate
Trzy miłości is a provocative Polish drama that turns a romantic rebound into a tense psychological game. It’s recommended for viewers who enjoy character-driven thrillers with emotional depth and social commentary.