Name: Squared Love All Over Again
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Released: 2023-02-13T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Adrianna Chlebicka, Mateusz Banasiuk, Mikołaj Roznerski, Tomasz Karolak, Monika Krzywkowska

The opening scene of “Squared Love All Over Again” is a disaster. Monika Grabarczyk, played by Adrianna Chlebicka, is mid-airplane meltdown over a delayed flight, while Stefan ‘Enzo’ Tkaczyk, portrayed by Mateusz Banasiuk, watches from the gate with an exasperated expression. It’s a chaotic start to Filip Zylber’s 2023 romcom sequel, and unfortunately, it sets the tone for much of what follows.

This film picks up where “Squared Love” (2021) left off, following celebrity journalist Monika and down-to-earth teacher Enzo as they navigate the challenges of a long-distance relationship. The premise is familiar: career ambitions clash with romantic aspirations. However, Zylber’s direction feels sluggish and uninspired, relying heavily on clichéd tropes and predictable plot points.

Chlebicka delivers a commendable performance, bringing charm and wit to her role as Monika. Her chemistry with Banasiuk’s Enzo is palpable, especially in their more intimate scenes. However, the supporting cast struggles to make an impact. Mikołaj Roznerski as Rafał Wiśniewski and Krzysztof Czeczot as Jacek Szczepański are sidelined, with little depth or development given to their characters.

The film’s structure is its greatest downfall. The narrative meanders aimlessly, filled with unnecessary subplots involving Monika’s imaginative niece Ania (Helena Mazur) and Enzo’s school director (Tomasz Karolak). These distractions pull focus from the central romance, making the story feel disjointed and unfocused.

On the positive side, “Squared Love All Over Again” does offer some genuinely funny moments. A standout scene involves Monika and Enzo attempting to cook a romantic dinner together, resulting in a hilarious culinary disaster. The comedy shines brightest when it leans into the absurdity of their situation, rather than relying on forced jokes or over-the-top gags.

The cinematography is serviceable but unremarkable. Zylber’s use of close-ups during emotional scenes adds a touch of intimacy, but the overall visual style lacks creativity. The soundtrack, however, deserves mention for its well-curated selection of romantic ballads and upbeat pop tracks that perfectly complement the film’s tone.

Ultimately, “Squared Love All Over Again” fails to justify its existence as a sequel. It lacks the freshness and spontaneity of the original, falling back on tired tropes and uninspired storytelling.

The film is clearly targeted at fans of the first movie and die-hard romantics who enjoy lighthearted comedies with a side of drama. However, even within this niche, “Squared Love All Over Again” struggles to stand out. The humor often falls flat, and the emotional beats feel manufactured rather than earned.

One of the film’s few redeeming qualities is its exploration of themes like long-distance relationships and the balancing act between career and love. These are relatable topics that resonate with many viewers. However, the execution leaves much to be desired. The dialogue often feels stilted and unnatural, detracting from the emotional weight of these scenes.

The supporting cast is another area where the film could have improved. Characters like Monika’s sister Aleksandra Burska (Monika Krzywkowska) and Enzo’s friend Bazyli (Mirosław Baka) are introduced but never fully developed. Their presence feels superficial, adding little to the overall narrative.

The pacing of “Squared Love All Over Again” is another issue. The film drags in places, with several scenes feeling overly prolonged without adding substantial value to the story. This slow pace makes it difficult to maintain engagement, especially for viewers who are not already invested in the characters or their journey.

Despite its flaws, “Squared Love All Over Again” does have moments of brilliance. Chlebicka’s performance is a highlight, showcasing her ability to balance humor and heartfelt emotion. Her portrayal of Monika is nuanced and relatable, making it easy to root for her character throughout the film.

The chemistry between Chlebicka and Banasiuk is another strong point. Their on-screen dynamic feels authentic and genuine, which is crucial for a romance-driven film. Even when the script lets them down, their performances manage to elevate the material.

In terms of originality, “Squared Love All Over Again” falls short. It relies too heavily on familiar tropes and predictable plot developments. The lack of innovation makes it feel like a rehash of better romcoms that have come before it.

The film’s genre fit is another area of concern. While it aims to be a romantic comedy, it often strays into melodrama without fully committing to either style. This inconsistency makes it difficult to categorize or appreciate the film for what it is trying to achieve.

Ultimately, “Squared Love All Over Again” is a missed opportunity. With a stronger script and more focused direction, it could have been a charming and engaging sequel.