Customer Reviews

The Underneath: A Sensual Obsession

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"The Underneath" (Pod Powierzchnia) is a story of temptation or perhaps obsession. Interestingly enough, most of the film has only four actors. It takes a little bit of time to figure out what is going on but figuring it out is all part of the suspense. What distinguishes this thriller is that it is a fairly erotic movie.

Piotr and his girlfriend Iza go visit their friend who has a house at a secluded lake. His friend Michael is Iza's ex-boyfriend and they aren't on the best of terms. Michael's girlfriend Ania has her eye on Piotr. Piotr becomes fascinated and obsessed with Ania at first sight. Not too surprising, there is a strange tension between the four and you will have no idea where the story will go. Learning about their history also keeps you on edge and helps explain their actions. There is a lot of mystery to unravel about the four and their past.

A lot of the scenes take place on the lakefront and much of the symbolism has to do with the lake. The symbolism has to do with the reflections the water makes and what lies underneath its surface. The lake senses are often on the sensual side because Ania is a bit of an exhibitionist and swims naked. Piotr is practically hypnotized by her body and to say it distracts him may be an understatement.

There is freshness to "The Underneath" as it is the product of those just starting their film careers. It is Marek Gajczak's directorial debut and although the actors in this movie do have some experience (mostly in the last decade), they are not too well known. Like a good Polish film, "The Underneath" is hard to predict and I really think the title fits it well.

I know several people loved this movie, based on the reviews I see here now. I'm here to tell you it is NOT for everyone.

A guy and his wife travel to the home of his ex-friend - her ex-lover - for the weekend. Their marriage is troubled. She is tempted by her ex, he is tempted by the ex's new fling, a silly-acting married woman who likes to run around naked.

You see lots of dream sequences with water and several scenes around the lake. The symbolism is tired and nothing new. He's drowning in his wife, his obsession, his lack of confidence... The list goes on and on.

I can do foreign films that are engaging, but this one was just too much for me. It is dull, the film is green throughout, and it was excruciating at times to watch. Perhaps a bottle (or ten) of red wine would have made it better.