Name: Heart Parade
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Released: 2022-06-15T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Anna Próchniak, Michał Czernecki, Iwo Rajski, Piotr Rogucki, Monika Krzywkowska

The first shot of Heart Parade lingers on Anna Próchniak’s Magda as she strides through Warsaw’s gray morning light, her high heels clicking against the pavement like a metronome counting down to her next career move. She’s all sharp angles and colder stares, a woman who’s built her life around ambition—and dogs are decidedly not part of that equation. Filip Zylber’s 2022 rom-com opens with this image for a reason: Magda is the antithesis of the film’s titular parade, a celebration of love and warmth that she’s determined to resist.

When work forces her to Kraków, she stumbles into the life of Krzysztof (Michał Czernecki), a widower raising his son Karol (Iwo Rajski) with the help of their dachshund. The setup is familiar—careerist softens after meeting charming family—but Heart Parade struggles to elevate its premise beyond the bromidic fodder of hundreds of rom-coms before it. Zylber, working under the Endemol Shine Polska-Netflix banner, aims for a feel-good vibe but settles for something far less satisfying.

Próchniak’s performance is the film’s strongest asset. She brings a fierce intensity to Magda, making her dislike of dogs (and children) feel like more than just a plot device. Her scenes with Czernecki crackle with tension, especially early on, when their chemistry is at its most electric. But as the film progresses, Magda’s character arc feels dictated by cliché rather than genuine growth. The script gives her little to work with beyond “careerist learns to love,” and Próchniak, for all her talent, can’t transcend that limitation.

Czernecki fares better as Krzysztof. His performance is warm and grounded, offering a much-needed emotional anchor in a film that often feels adrift. The chemistry between him and Próchniak is undeniable, but the script undercuts their romance with predictable beats and contrived conflicts. A scene where Magda and Krzysztof share a kiss under the stars might have been romantic if it weren’t so heavily telegraphed.

Iwo Rajski’s Karol is another bright spot. As Krzysztof’s young son, he brings an authenticity to the film that’s often missing from its adult characters. His scenes with Próchniak are some of the most engaging in Heart Parade, as they navigate their mutual skepticism and eventual bonding. The dachshund, too, steals every scene it’s in, though its presence sometimes feels like a gimmick rather than an organic part of the story.

Where Heart Parade truly falters is in its pacing. At 108 minutes, the film overstays its welcome, lingering too long on scenes that add little to the narrative. A subplot involving Magda’s former boss and her quest to reclaim her TV producer job feels tacked on, providing unnecessary filler. The film’s midpoint, where Magda finally begins to open up to Krzysztof and Karol, should be a turning point—but instead, it drags, mired in repetitive dialogue and forced humor.

Zylber’s direction is competent but uninspired. He captures Kraków’s charm, with its cobblestone streets and picturesque riverfront, but the cinematography often feels more like a postcard than an integral part of the story. The film’s visual language is safe, avoiding any bold choices that might elevate it above the average rom-com.

The supporting cast, including Piotr Rogucki as Wiktor and Monika Krzywkowska as Zula, are underutilized. Their roles feel sidelined by a script that refuses to take risks, opting instead for familiar tropes and safe resolutions. Even Grzegorz Warchoł’s Gravedigger Philosopher, a character with potential for depth, is reduced to a one-note comic relief.

The film’s family-friendly appeal is its only saving grace. Kids and dog lovers will eat up the wholesome vibes, and parents won’t have to worry about explicit content or swearing. But for adults, Heart Parade offers little that hasn’t been done before—and done better. Critics have compared it to a made-for-TV movie, and that’s generous. The film lacks the wit of Amélie, the charm of The Holiday, or even the quirkiness of Palm Springs. It’s a rom-com by numbers, devoid of originality or surprise.

Themes of love and family are handled with kid gloves, avoiding any real conflict or complexity. Magda’s journey from careerist to loving mother figure is predictable, and Krzysztof’s widower backstory is trotted out too often, becoming more of a crutch than a character trait. The film’s resolution—spoiler-free, but entirely expected—does little to redeem its flaws.

Heart Parade is a film that plays it safe at every turn, avoiding risk in favor of broad appeal. It’s a shame, because the core idea—a careerist learning to love through family and pets—has potential.