Each of them had an extremely difficult task, including numerous solo scenes in the film's limited space. They mostly prove successful in bringing their characters to life. Marek Braun may occasionally not be on point, but overall gives a steady performance. Marcin Zarzeczny is excellent in his role as a distressed alcoholic tormented by guilt; so is Hycnar, who creates a character who goes miles to escape the consequences of his actions and avoid looking in the mirror. The supporting roles are noteworthy, too – including Jerzy Janeczek as a touchingly helpless elderly man and Anna Mrozowska as a young policewoman.
It is, however, the director himself who remains the brightest star of Supernova. Kruhlik's shorts – Żar and the excellent Adaptacja – already made him a new hope in Polish cinema. His feature film only proves his potential, testifying that the artist is talented but also ingenious – initially, Supernova was intended to be one of the 60-minute TV films produced by Munk Studio. Kruhlik took his chance and used the low budget to shoot a picture twenty minutes longer – and therefore qualify it for the big screen.
Fans of Polish cinema have an opportunity to tune in early to another important voice on the film scene. If there is any criticism to be made, Kruhlik could have had more trust in his audience's intellect. The final scene that offers an explanation of the metaphorical title and an explicit interpretative key seems completely redundant. Nevertheless, Supernova remains one of the best Polish films made in the past couple years, proving that true talent fears neither low budgets nor grand themes.
- Supernova. Directed and written by Bartosz Kruhilk, cinematography by Michał Dymek, score by Endy Yden, editing by Magdalena Chowańska. Starring: Marek Braun, Marcin Zarzeczny, Marcin Hycnar, Jerzy Janiczek, Anna Mrozowska. Premiere: 22nd November 2019.
Originally written in Polish by Bartosz Staszczyszyn, translated by Natalia Sajewicz