Playground [Film]

Welcome to Day 1 of our unofficially titled “12 Non-Holiday Films for the Holidays”. For 12 days, we are showcasing 12 amazing non-holiday themed films for those of us who despise holiday films or the whole damned season altogether. Enjoy!

“Final day of school in a small Polish town. It’s the very last chance for 12-Year-Old Gabrysia to tell her classmate that she had fallen in love with him. She sets up a secret meeting and blackmails her love interest to show up. But what was supposed to be an intimate talk spins out of control and this seemingly normal day in life of three ordinary elementary school students culminates in shocking and terrifying events.” – October Coast PR

What the hell did I watch? I mean seriously, what the hell just happened? Have you ended a film and said this to yourself? And not in a negative way at all, just that feeling of where you are left a little bit dirty feeling inside. Well, if you have managed to avoid that feeling throughout your existence, be prepared experience something all new and terrifying.

Playground is one of those most unique experiences you will ever have in the world of cinema. The plot and premise of the film starts with a sort of confusing slow burn, and neither really truly reveal themselves very specifically. There is definitely a theme within the film. But, interpretation can easily be left with the viewer. There is a bit of sadness. There is obvious pain and confusion around the turmoil that can be constant in adolescence. But then there is a darkness that is unfathomable and entirely unreasonable. And that is the direction that Playground takes you.

This insane bit of Polish cinema from Bartosz M. Kowalski is a very well made and insanely tantalizing film. But, it is honestly very difficult to describe the events that take place within the film without completely spoiling the entire premise (which, again, isn’t entirely clear in a purposeful way). Let’s just say that Playground is a film that is going to leave you with a lot of questions about yourself, about humanity, and about existence in general. What can drive a person so young to such a dark place, so early in their existence? Is evil simply born, or is it inherited? These are actually the simplest of questions you may ask after watching this brilliant film.

Playground is available now on VOD and anywhere you find great films. Check out the trailer for the film here: