Polish Sci-Fi Thriller About AI Makes Waves in Montreal
Polish director Agnieszka Smoczyńska’s new film, described as a futuristic science fiction thriller, receives a special mention at the 30th Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal.
Hot Spot, directed by Agnieszka Smoczyńska, the Polish filmmaker behind films such as The Lure, Fugue and The Silent Twins, is a testament to the continuing professionalisation of Polish cinema. Set in an unspecified but fairly near future, when the world is ruled by sentient artificial intelligence, a private detective investigates a murder in a refugee camp and, during his inquiry, stumbles upon a trail leading to rebels who refuse to accept the surveillance imposed by AI. The subsequent steps he takes reveal further mysteries to him.
The jury of the Canadian Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal, one of the most important festivals for science, horror and fantasy, in its decision to award a Special Mention to the Polish film, highlighted the performances of both the leading and supporting actors, whose portrayals lent the world depicted in the film credibility and impact. The international cast includes Andrzej Konopka, Noomi Rapace and Reika Kirishima.
Picture display
standardowy (864px desktop)
Still from 'Hot Spot', directed by Agnieszka Smoczyńska, 2026, photo: courtesy of Focus Features, 2026 All Rights Reserved
Picture image
z32859464IHR-HOT-SPOT-2026.jpg
The screenplay for the new film was written by Robert Bolesto, who was also behind the screenplay of the highly acclaimed The Lure (which our very own Bartosz Staszczyszyn wrote that ‘[Smoczyńska’s] cinematic erudition and love of cinema go hand in hand with artistic courage, whilst her imagination and sense of style overshadow the technical flaws that crop up time and again’).
Although Smoczyńska’s new film draws on the conventions of crime thrillers and science fiction, it portrays fears that are very close to home – not only of artificial intelligence, but also of the climate crisis, world war and the loss of control over one’s own life. This is why, even those usually not drawn to sci-fi, should head to the cinema.
Picture display
standardowy (864px desktop)
Still from 'Hot Spot', directed by Agnieszka Smoczyńska, 2026, photo: courtesy of Focus Features, 2026 All Rights Reserved
Picture image
z32859465IHR-HOT-SPOT-2026.jpg
The film is a co-production between Poland, Greece, Sweden and Norway.