The Dark House

PL 2009 colour 105 min.
dir:  Wojciech Smarzowski
pro: Feliks Pastusiak, Film It
sc: Łukasz Kośmicki, Wojciech Smarzowski
ph:  Krzysztof Ptak
mus: Mikołaj Trzaska
ed: Paweł Laskowski
cast: Arkadiusz Jakubik, Marian Dziędziel, Bartłomiej Topa, Kinga Preis, Robert Więckiewicz, Robert Wabich, Katarzyna Cynke, Lech Dyblik, Eryk Lubo
dis: ITI Cinema

 

The story takes place in two parallel time planes. The first plot follows the events of one autumn night in 1978. Edward Środoń, a zootechnician, makes an accidental stopover in a farmhouse of Dziabas family in the remote area of Bieszczady Mountains. He stays for the night. The initial distrust between the guest and his hosts is quickly dispelled with moonshine and turns into a camaraderie, intimacy and even friendship. A plan of making a joint business arises, as well as passion and lust, which lead to a surprising and tragic consequences…

Second plot is set on a winter day, during the Martial Law in Poland. An investigating team of Milicja Obywatelska (People’s Militia) is visiting the crime scene. Lieutenant Mroz is trying to solve the multiple murder case from four years ago. The tool he has to his disposal is the reconstruction of events with help of the chief suspect, Środoń.

 

PFFF Gdynia 2009 – Golden Lions: Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Editing
Polish Film Awards Eagles 2010 – Best Director, Best Cinemtography, Best Editing, Audience Award
WAF 2009 – Audience Award
Camerimage 2009 – Silver Frog – Best Cinematographer