New Movies: Przepiękne! (2025) by Katarzyna Priwieziencew: A Kaleidoscope of Modern Womanhood

"Przepiękne!" is a Polish drama-comedy film directed by Katarzyna Priwieziencew, released on March 7, 2025. It intricately weaves together the stories of six diverse women, each navigating unique challenges in their pursuit of happiness and self-acceptance in contemporary society, exploring themes of aging, body image, relationships, career pressures, and personal fulfillment.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35697374/

About movie: https://www.warnerbros.pl/filmy/przepiekne

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/pl/film/przepiekne

Detailed Summary Katarzyna Priwieziencew's "Przepiękne!" (Beautiful!) is an ensemble film that delves into the multifaceted lives of six women across different generations and walks of life in Poland. The narrative explores their individual struggles and triumphs as they strive to find happiness and live authentically. From a woman seeking to rekindle passion in a long-term marriage, to a single woman hesitant about love, a businesswoman grappling with her teenage daughter, and a young influencer battling the pressures of a beauty-obsessed industry, the film paints a comprehensive picture of modern womanhood. It's a poignant, often humorous, and sometimes critical look at societal expectations and personal journeys towards self-realization, promising to be a relatable and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Plot summary

• Interwoven Narratives: The film presents a mosaic of stories, focusing on six distinct female protagonists whose lives, while separate, resonate with universal themes of womanhood.

• Krystyna's Quest for Passion: Krystyna, after thirty years of marriage, yearns for renewed intimacy and excitement, even as her husband remains indifferent, leading her to consider a personal rebellion.

• Basia's Fear of Love: Basia, a single woman, builds walls of distrust around herself, preventing her from embracing the love she deeply desires, highlighting the complexities of vulnerability.

• Agata's Generational Gap: Agata, a successful businesswoman, struggles to connect with her teenage daughter, illustrating the challenges of intergenerational understanding and communication within families.

• Julia's Career Sacrifice: Julia, a young influencer, is willing to make significant sacrifices to maintain her career in an industry that relentlessly prioritizes youth and beauty, exposing the harsh realities of public image and self-worth.

• Tosia's Childhood Inquiry: Little Tosia embarks on a journey to find answers to the profound questions life poses to her, representing the innocent yet deep curiosity of youth.

• Daily Challenges and Dreams: Each character's journey is defined by their daily struggles, persistent dreams, and the courage required to live in harmony with their true selves, despite external pressures and internal conflicts.

Director's Vision

• Authentic Portrayal of Women: Katarzyna Priwieziencew aims to give voice to female experiences often underrepresented on screen, showcasing the diverse challenges and inner lives of women.

• Relatability and Empathy: The director seeks to create a film that resonates deeply with audiences, particularly women, by presenting relatable situations and fostering empathy for the characters' struggles.

• Social Commentary: Priwieziencew uses the individual stories to offer commentary on broader societal pressures, such as beauty standards, aging, marital dynamics, and the pursuit of happiness in a demanding world.

• Emotional Depth with Humor: The vision blends dramatic elements with comedic moments, aiming to entertain, move, and provoke thought, often using humor to lighten serious topics or highlight absurdities.

Themes

• Self-Acceptance and Body Image: The film prominently explores the journey towards self-acceptance, particularly in relation to body image and societal beauty standards, as seen through characters like Julia and Krystyna.

• Relationships and Intimacy: It delves into the complexities of various relationships—marital, familial, and romantic—examining themes of communication, desire, and the evolving nature of connection.

• Aging and Identity: The narrative addresses the challenges and perceptions associated with aging, particularly for women, and how identity shifts and is redefined throughout different life stages.

• Societal Pressures and Expectations: The film critiques the external pressures placed on women, from career demands to the expectation of perpetual youth and happiness, and how these impact individual choices and well-being.

• The Pursuit of Happiness and Fulfillment: At its core, "Przepiękne!" is about the universal human quest for personal happiness, fulfillment, and the courage to live authentically despite obstacles.

Key success factors

• Relatable Subject Matter: The film's exploration of universal female experiences and contemporary issues makes it highly relatable to a broad audience, fostering strong emotional connections.

• Strong Ensemble Cast: Featuring renowned Polish actors like Hanna Śleszyńska, Olaf Lubaszenko, and Marta Nieradkiewicz, the film benefits from compelling performances that bring depth and authenticity to the characters.

• Timely Social Commentary: By addressing relevant social trends and pressures faced by women today, the film taps into current conversations and societal awareness.

• Blend of Genres: The combination of drama, comedy, and social commentary (obyczajowy) allows for a dynamic viewing experience, appealing to diverse tastes and offering both entertainment and reflection.

• Adaptation of a Successful Concept: Being an adaptation of the German film "Wunderschön" (2022), it leverages a proven narrative structure and thematic foundation, suggesting a well-developed story.

Critics reception

• Filmweb (Bogna Goślińska): The review notes that "Przepiękne!" feels very much like a TVN production, with its bright, saturated colors and fast editing. While it gives a voice to female experiences, some critics found its didactic tone and simplistic symbolism off-putting. However, it can sometimes be entertaining or moving, with moments that break the monotony, such as a scene involving "vaginal farting" or a breast pump in a corporate toilet.

• Mediakrytyk (Dawid Muszyński, naEKRANIE): Muszyński states that the film won't change the world or immediately resolve complexes, but for many viewers, it will serve as a "wake-up call," initiating a monologue with oneself or even the first step towards self-acceptance. He rated it 8/10.

• Mediakrytyk (Radosław Ostrowski, Kinoblog): Ostrowski describes the film as "very uneven" in its portrayal of femininity in the modern world. While it has its moments and can be amusing or touching, it lacks something memorable. He suggests it's worth watching but perhaps better to wait for streaming. He rated it 6/10.

• IMDb: The film holds a rating of 6.8/10 based on user reviews, indicating a generally favorable, though not overwhelmingly enthusiastic, reception.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: The critical reception for "Przepiękne!" appears mixed. While some critics praise its ability to resonate with audiences on themes of self-acceptance and its portrayal of diverse female experiences, others point to an uneven narrative, a didactic tone, and a lack of lasting impact. The film seems to be appreciated for its timely subject matter and relatable characters, even if its execution is sometimes seen as simplistic or formulaic.

Reviews

• Filmweb User Reviews: Users on Filmweb, a prominent Polish film database, have given the film an average rating that translates to about 6.8/10 on IMDb, suggesting a generally positive but not stellar audience response. Many appreciate the film's focus on women's issues and the strong performances by the cast.

• YouTube Trailer Comments: Comments on the official trailers (from Warner Bros. Entertainment Polska) indicate anticipation for the film, with viewers expressing excitement about the cast and the promise of a relatable story about women's struggles and dreams. Phrases like "bawi, wzrusza i chwyta za serce" (entertains, moves, and tugs at the heart) suggest a strong emotional appeal.

• Social Media Buzz: Conversations on social media platforms in Poland around the release date suggest that the film has sparked discussions about body image, relationships, and the pressures faced by women, indicating its success in engaging its target audience.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Audience reviews, primarily from Polish platforms and social media, indicate that "Przepiękne!" is generally well-received for its emotional resonance and its exploration of relatable female experiences. Viewers appreciate the film's ability to entertain and move them, often finding it a thought-provoking portrayal of modern womanhood, despite some critics' reservations about its narrative consistency or stylistic choices.

Box Office According to IMDb, "Przepiękne!" has a reported worldwide gross of $1,551,726. Given its recent release on March 7, 2025, this figure represents its initial performance. As a Polish production, this is a respectable start, indicating a solid domestic audience turnout and potentially some international interest.

Production Summary "Przepiękne!" is a Polish production that underwent its principal photography from June to July 2024. It is an adaptation of the German film "Wunderschön" (2022), suggesting a well-established narrative framework. The film features a strong creative team, including director Katarzyna Priwieziencew, screenwriter Katarzyna Sarnowska, cinematographer Witold Płóciennik, production designer Joanna Kaczyńska, costume designer Marta Ostrowicz, and composer Jerzy Rogiewicz.

Production companies Serce (Poland), Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (USA), TVN (Poland).

Sales companies Specific sales companies for international distribution beyond Warner Bros. Entertainment Polska are not explicitly detailed in the provided search results. However, given Warner Bros.' involvement, it's likely they handle or coordinate international sales.

Distribution companies Warner Bros Entertainment Polska Sp. z o.o. (Poland) is the primary distributor for the film's theatrical release in Poland.

Theatrical Release "Przepiękne!" had its world and Polish theatrical premiere on March 7, 2025, strategically timed for International Women's Day.

Why to recommend this movie

• Empowering Female Narratives: The film offers a refreshing and authentic portrayal of diverse female experiences, making it highly relevant and empowering for women.

• Relatability and Emotional Depth: Its exploration of universal themes like self-acceptance, relationships, and societal pressures ensures that many viewers will find aspects of the film deeply relatable and emotionally resonant.

• Strong Performances: The ensemble cast, featuring prominent Polish actors, delivers compelling performances that add significant depth and nuance to the characters.

• Thought-Provoking Content: Beyond entertainment, the movie encourages reflection on personal values, societal expectations, and the journey towards living an authentic life.

• Timely and Relevant: It addresses contemporary social issues faced by women, making it a pertinent watch for those interested in modern social commentary.

Why to Watch Movie

• To See Yourself Reflected: Many women will likely find their own struggles, aspirations, and triumphs mirrored in the diverse characters, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.

• For a Blend of Emotions: The film promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, blending moments of humor, drama, and heartfelt sincerity, ensuring an engaging viewing experience.

• To Support Polish Cinema: Watching "Przepiękne!" is an opportunity to support contemporary Polish filmmaking, which is increasingly producing high-quality and socially relevant content.

• To Spark Conversations: The themes explored in the movie are excellent starting points for discussions about body image, relationships, and the challenges of modern life, making it ideal for group viewing.

• To Enjoy a Well-Crafted Story: As an adaptation of a successful German film and featuring a strong creative team, the movie offers a narrative that is likely well-structured and engaging.

Movie Trend The film "Przepiękne!" is following the trend of ensemble female-led dramas/comedies. This trend focuses on telling stories through the intertwined lives of multiple female characters, often exploring their personal growth, relationships, and societal challenges from a distinctly feminine perspective. Films like "Sex and the City," "Bridesmaids," or more recently, various streaming series focusing on female friendships and experiences, exemplify this trend. It emphasizes authenticity, relatability, and often a blend of humor and poignant drama.

Social Trend "Przepiękne!" is closely aligned with the body positivity and self-acceptance movement. This significant social trend advocates for the acceptance of all body types and challenges unrealistic beauty standards promoted by media and society. The film's focus on characters grappling with body image, aging, and the pressures of an appearance-driven industry directly reflects this movement, encouraging viewers to embrace their authentic selves regardless of societal norms.

Final Verdict "Przepiękne!" appears to be a timely and emotionally resonant film that offers a compelling look into the lives of modern women. While critical reception is somewhat mixed, leaning towards a generally positive sentiment, its strength lies in its relatable characters and its exploration of universal themes of self-acceptance, relationships, and societal pressures. It promises to be a thought-provoking and engaging experience, particularly for female audiences, and a valuable contribution to contemporary Polish cinema.

Recommendations for film makers

• Balance Social Commentary with Subtlety: While addressing important social issues is commendable, filmmakers should strive for a more nuanced approach, allowing themes to emerge organically rather than through overtly didactic messaging or simplistic symbolism.

• Ensure Narrative Cohesion: With multiple interwoven storylines, maintaining a consistent tone and ensuring each narrative arc feels fully developed and contributes meaningfully to the overall plot is crucial for a cohesive viewing experience.

• Innovate Beyond Adaptation: While adapting successful foreign concepts can be a good starting point, filmmakers should aim to infuse adaptations with unique cultural insights and original stylistic choices to create a distinct cinematic identity.

• Invest in Visual Storytelling: Beyond fast editing and bright colors, exploring more sophisticated visual metaphors and cinematic techniques can elevate the storytelling and leave a more lasting impression.

Recommendations for movie industry

• Support Diverse Female Voices: Continue to champion and invest in films that authentically portray diverse female experiences, both in front of and behind the camera, to ensure a broader range of stories are told.

• Promote Films with Social Relevance: Encourage the production and distribution of movies that engage with contemporary social trends and issues, fostering dialogue and reflection among audiences.

• Embrace Nuance in Storytelling: While commercial appeal is important, the industry should also prioritize films that offer complex narratives and avoid overly simplistic or preachy messaging, allowing for deeper engagement.

• Invest in Original Concepts: While adaptations can be successful, fostering an environment that encourages and rewards original screenplays and innovative storytelling approaches will enrich the cinematic landscape.

Final Conclusions "Przepiękne!" is a significant Polish film that courageously tackles the complexities of modern womanhood. Its ensemble narrative, focusing on themes of self-acceptance, relationships, and societal pressures, makes it highly relevant and relatable. Despite some critical observations about its execution, the film's ability to resonate with audiences and spark important conversations underscores its value. It serves as a testament to the growing trend of female-centric storytelling in cinema and its potential to both entertain and enlighten.