Name: Fanfic
Genre: Drama
Released: 2023-05-17T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Alin Szewczyk, Jan Cięciara, Dobromir Dymecki, Wiktoria Kruszczyńska, Maja Szopa

The opening shot of Fanfic lingers on two teenagers huddled together in a dimly lit school hallway, their whispered conversation charged with the urgency of secrets shared. Marta Karwowska’s film, streaming on Netflix, is a coming-of-age drama that swaps typical teenage angst for something more genuine: the quiet, messy work of self-discovery.

The story follows Tosiek (Alin Szewczyk) and Leon (Jan Cięciara), two Polish high school students whose friendship deepens as they navigate the complexities of identity and desire. Karwowska’s direction is unshowy but effective, grounding the film in a sense of authenticity that feels rare in contemporary YA dramas. The cinematography favors natural lighting and tight close-ups, emphasizing the intimacy between Tosiek and Leon. There’s a scene midway through where they sit side by side on a park bench, shoulders nearly touching, the camera lingering just long enough to let the tension build—no forced dialogue, no over-the-top gestures, just two young men wrestling with their feelings in silence.

The film’s strength lies in its authenticity. Karwowska eschews melodrama for moments that feel lived-in, like when Tosiek nervously fidgets with his backpack while confessing his feelings to Leon, or when Leon doodles on his notebook during class, a subtle but telling detail of his inner turmoil. The supporting cast, including Wiktoria Kruszczyńska as Matylda and Maja Szopa as Emilia, brings warmth and texture to the high school setting. These performances are grounded, never veering into caricature, which helps sell the film’s emotional core.

What truly sets Fanfic apart is its commitment to realism. The dialogue feels natural, unforced, and the performances are understated yet powerful. Szewczyk’s portrayal of Tosiek is particularly compelling—his hesitation and vulnerability make him relatable, while Cięciara’s Leon exudes a quiet confidence that balances the dynamic between them. The film also benefits from its authentic representation of LGBTQ+ themes. Karwowska avoids turning Tosiek and Leon’s relationship into a spectacle; instead, she treats their journey with the same weight and nuance as any other coming-of-age story.

However, Fanfic isn’t without its flaws. At times, the pacing drags, and certain scenes feel overly familiar, as if borrowing too heavily from other YA dramas. The film’s structure could have benefited from tighter editing—some subplots, like the tension between Tosiek and his father (Krzysztof Oleksyn), feel underdeveloped. Additionally, while the performances are strong, the supporting characters sometimes fade into the background, making their arcs feel secondary.

Thematically, Fanfic explores the universal struggle of self-acceptance, but it doesn’t break new ground in this regard. The film’s reliance on familiar tropes—such as the supportive best friend (Matylda) and the disapproving parent—means that it occasionally feels like a retread of stories we’ve seen before. That said, Karwowska’s direction and the performances elevate Fanfic above mere cliché.

The film also grapples with the idea of fanfiction itself, though this aspect is subtle. The title suggests a metaphorical connection between the act of writing fanfiction—reimagining existing stories—and Tosiek and Leon’s process of redefining their own identities. This theme is woven into the fabric of the film but never overtly stated, which adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.

In terms of genre fit, Fanfic sits comfortably within the YA LGBTQ+ drama category. It lacks the flashy visuals or high-stakes plot twists that might make it stand out in a crowded field, but its emotional honesty gives it a distinct identity. Decider’s review calls it “a perfectly fine YA LGBTQ+ emotional mini-saga,” and that assessment feels accurate.

Ultimately, Fanfic is a solid entry in the genre. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s heartfelt and well-acted, offering a refreshing take on teenage relationships that prioritizes emotional truth over spectacle.

The film’s Polish setting adds another layer of depth, providing a cultural backdrop that feels both specific and universal. The high school environment is meticulously crafted, from the cluttered lockers to the graffiti-covered walls, creating an immersive world that resonates with authenticity. This attention to detail extends to the characters’ wardrobes and mannerisms, which feel distinctly Polish yet relatable to a global audience.

One of the film’s standout moments is a scene where Tosiek and Leon attend a school dance. The camera captures their awkwardness and excitement in equal measure, with Szewczyk and Cięciara delivering nuanced performances that convey the characters’ internal struggles without resorting to heavy-handed exposition. This scene exemplifies Karwowska’s ability to balance subtlety with emotional impact, making Fanfic a film that rewards close viewing.

The supporting cast also deserves praise for their contributions. Agnieszka Rajda as Roksana and Ignacy Liss as Maks bring depth to their roles, adding layers to the high school dynamics. Their performances are understated but effective, providing crucial support to the central narrative without overshadowing Szewczyk and Cięciara.

In terms of originality, Fanfic doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does offer a fresh perspective within the YA genre. The film’s focus on Polish youth culture is a welcome departure from the often Anglo-centric narratives that dominate this space. This cultural specificity adds richness to the story, making it stand out in a genre that can sometimes feel formulaic.

The film’s pacing, however, remains a minor drawback. While the slow burn approach allows for character development, it occasionally feels meandering. Some scenes, particularly those involving Tosiek’s family life, could have been tightened to maintain momentum. That said, the film’s deliberate pace is also one of its strengths, as it allows for moments of quiet introspection that are often overlooked in more fast-paced dramas.

Fanfic is a film that will resonate most with young adults and LGBTQ+ viewers who appreciate authentic, character-driven stories. Its themes of self-discovery and acceptance are universal, but the specificity of its setting and characters makes it particularly compelling for those who have experienced similar struggles in their own lives. The film’s emotional honesty and commitment to realism set it apart from more melodramatic entries in the genre.

In conclusion, Fanfic is a heartfelt and well-crafted coming-of-age drama that prioritizes authenticity over spectacle.