Big Love

Barbara Bialowas' "Big Love" (2012) attempts to portray an intense, all-consuming romance, but ultimately falls flat, delivering a melodramatic and unconvincing exploration of a toxic relationship. The film suffers from a severe lack of narrative depth, mistaking obsessive behavior and destructive patterns for genuine passion. The supposed "intense" connection between the protagonists feels forced and artificial, lacking the psychological complexity necessary to make their descent believable or engaging. The dialogue, often laden with clichéd declarations of love and despair, feels painfully contrived, as if the writers simply strung together dramatic moments without any regard for authentic human interaction or the true nature of abuse. Instead of a compelling character study, it offers a superficial and often uncomfortable spectacle of dysfunction.

Is it worth watching? No, unless you have an exceptionally high tolerance for clichéd melodrama and a superficial portrayal of a destructive relationship. There are far more nuanced and impactful films that explore the complexities of love and toxicity.

An interesting drama from Poland.

Covers a few themes. On the surface it is a love story that develops into a more violent relationship. Here we get the classic "he abuses her and attacks her friends but she keeps going back to him" scenario. Here it doesn't seem so unoriginal, and is almost explainable. Towards the end there are elements of depression and co-dependency.

As the movie unfolds you can sense the darkness descending, as the seemingly loving man becomes more and more violent. An interesting and often scary transition.

Not great though. There is a degree of predictability to it. Some scenes feel unnecessary. Plus, by jumping back and forth in time the director gives away a lot of the ending.

Performances are so-so.

No pun intended - fresh love is always something ... amazing. For most involved - you can see that some have issues with our lovebirds and their ... well behaviour. That being said, if there is an age difference, there may be problems and issues later on.

And as they grow with each other, they also grow apart. One of the directors of the 365 days franchise is responsible for this one. And while it is not as far out as the sex scenes in that franchise, you can see they do not mind to show us some skin ... well more than just some.

I did not google how old the female main actress was when they shot this, but I am certain she was an adult and not a minor. Would be surprised to say the least if that was the case. But thought I'd mention it, if that makes you feel uncomfortable in a love story - or drama I guess. Which would be more apt and precise to what we get served here.

The movie builds up nicely - and the road it takes makes more than a bit of sense. Question is, if you are willing to suspend your disbelief and even are interested in that love story at all ... or drama. Again, it is quite dramatic ...