The series `Aniela’. – Class satire and the great comeback of Kozuchowska

Falling off a pedestal – what is the story of the series ‘Aniela’?

The title character is a successful woman who loses everything one night. After a spectacular attack on her husband during an art opening, her life falls apart like a house of cards. Deprived of her possessions and contact with her daughter, she is forced to move to Warsaw’s Praga district. The new reality becomes for her a brutal lesson in humility and an attempt to survive in a world governed by completely different rules than the elite salons. The creators of the series Aniela set a sharp class satire and showed how thin the line between social standing and exclusion can be.

Małgorzata Kożuchowska in the role of a lifetime?

Małgorzata Kożuchowska, known for her roles as elegant, aloof women, surprises in ‘Aniela’ with her insolence, absurdity and courage in character building. The actress herself has admitted in interviews that this was one of the most challenging yet liberating roles of her career. Aniela is a character who is not afraid to break convention – both in behaviour and narrative form. In the very first minutes of the series, she breaks the fourth wall by commenting on her life directly to the camera, which is one of the characteristic treatments of this production.

Who is behind the ‘Aniela’ series?

Paweł Demirski, a playwright known for his merciless approach to social themes, is responsible for the script. It is directed by Jakub Piątek and Kuba Czekaj and produced by Balapolis studio. The series is in line with current Netflix trends, which is investing more and more boldly in original, controversial Polish productions. “Aniela” hits this trend perfectly – balancing on the border between comedy, grotesque and dramatic social analysis.

Controversial form, divided opinions

“Aniela” is a series that divides audiences. Some appreciate the brilliant humour, bravura acting and original form. Others accuse the production of exaggeration, plot chaos and excessive stylisation. Critics point out that, although the idea is interesting, some characters are too caricatured and the script loses cohesion in places. The character of rapper Bananek, played by Antek Sztaba, is one of the most distinctive points of the series – and also one of the most controversial. The form may remind the viewer at times of a collage of cabaret, drama and manifesto, which not everyone will like.

Is ‘Aniela’ worth watching?

The ‘Aniela’ series is not an easy proposition. It is not another predictable morality play, but rather a sociological satire with a strong, exaggerated message. If one expects light entertainment, one may be disappointed. But if one is looking for something fresh, controversial and realised with flair, ‘Aniela’ may turn out to be one of the most interesting Polish premieres of this year. Especially since Kozuchowska proves that she is still able to surprise.

A new phase in Polish series?

“Aniela” shows that Polish series production is no longer afraid of experimentation. Netflix gave the creators artistic freedom, and they used it to the limit. Not everything in this series works perfectly, but one thing must be given to it – it is impossible to pass by it indifferently. For some it will be a cult title, for others a mistake. In both cases, it fulfils its purpose – it arouses emotions and provokes discussion. And perhaps this is what we need most from contemporary series today.

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