Name: Absolute Beginners
Genre: Drama
Released: 2023-10-25T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Martyna Byczkowska, Bartłomiej Deklewa, Jan Sałasiński, Paulina Krzyżańska, Katarzyna Warnke

The opening shot of Absolute Beginners lingers on the Baltic Sea, its vastness dwarfing the figures of Lena (Martyna Byczkowska) and Niko (Bartłomiej Deklewa) as they trudge along the shore. The water stretches endlessly under an overcast sky, a visual metaphor for the uncertainty that lies ahead for these two childhood best friends. Created by Kamila Tarabura and Katarzyna Warzecha, this Netflix teen drama unfolds over a summer where Lena and Niko are preparing for film school while grappling with the unfamiliar desires ignited by their encounter with aspiring athlete Igor (Jan Sałasiński). The series, released on October 25, 2023, is a coming-of-age story that refuses to be boxed into conventional narratives.

What sets Absolute Beginners apart from other teen dramas is its willingness to explore the complexities of autistic representation through Lena’s character. Martyna Byczkowska delivers a performance that avoids stereotypes, instead grounding Lena in specificity—her stimming behaviors are natural, her social interactions nuanced. This isn’t just a coming-of-age story; it’s a coming-into-self narrative that feels urgent and necessary. When Lena struggles to articulate her feelings to Niko, or when she finds solace in the rhythm of the waves, these moments resonate because they’re rooted in authenticity rather than performative quirks.

The chemistry between Byczkowska and Deklewa anchors the series, their friendship feeling authentic in its push-and-pull dynamic. Deklewa’s portrayal of Niko is particularly noteworthy for its vulnerability. He’s not just Lena’s foil; he’s a fully realized character grappling with his own fears and desires. Their scenes together are charged with emotional honesty, whether they’re arguing over creative differences or quietly supporting each other through personal crises. The series also benefits from its supporting cast, particularly Sałasiński as Igor, who brings an earnest energy to his role. His scenes with Deklewa are charged with tension and curiosity, exploring the messy nature of adolescent crushes without resorting to clichés.

The adult performances, especially those of Tamara (Katarzyna Warnke) and Bogusia (Anna Krotoska), add depth by refusing to be mere background figures; they’re present, engaged, and emotionally available in ways that feel refreshingly realistic. Warnke’s portrayal of Lena’s mother is particularly noteworthy for its subtlety. She doesn’t overwhelm the screen with dramatic outbursts but instead provides a steady, nurturing presence that grounds Lena’s emotional journey. Similarly, Krotoska’s performance as Niko’s mother, Bogusia, is marked by a quiet strength that belies her supportive role.

Visually, Absolute Beginners is a feast for the eyes. The cinematography exploits the coastal landscape for mood and metaphor, using the vastness of the sea to mirror the characters’ internal struggles. The series was shot in Ustka, Sopot, and Hel, and each location brings its own unique flavor to the narrative. The sandy beaches of Ustka provide a stark contrast to the bustling energy of Sopot, while the serene waters of Hel offer moments of quiet reflection.

However, Absolute Beginners isn’t without its flaws. The pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the middle episodes where the narrative meanders slightly before regaining its footing. Some of the subplots, such as Malwina’s (Paulina Krzyżańska) romantic entanglements, feel underdeveloped and could have used more screen time to deepen their emotional impact. Additionally, while the cinematography is often striking—the occasional reliance on sweeping shots of the sea borders on overindulgence, sometimes distracting from the characters’ emotional journeys.

The series’ originality lies in its refusal to simplify the teen experience into neat lessons or moralizing arcs. Lena and Niko’s friendship isn’t “fixed” by the end; instead, it evolves in ways that are as frustrating as they are heartwarming. The final episode, which culminates in their film school admissions interview chaired by Agnieszka Holland (appearing as herself), is a standout. It cleverly uses the meta-narrative of their admissions film to reflect on their personal growth, tying the series’ themes together with a satisfying emotional resonance.

Absolute Beginners may not reinvent the teen drama wheel, but it does so much right that its missteps feel forgivable. The series is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the importance of representation. It’s a show for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, for those who struggle with self-expression, and for viewers who appreciate nuanced performances and thoughtful direction.

The series also stands out for its exploration of the creative process. Lena and Niko’s journey to film school is not just a plot device but a central theme that infuses every episode with a sense of purpose. Their struggles with creativity, self-doubt, and artistic vision are portrayed with a level of detail that feels both personal and universal. This focus on the creative process sets Absolute Beginners apart from other teen dramas, which often prioritize romantic entanglements or familial conflicts over intellectual and artistic growth.

The series’ portrayal of autism is particularly noteworthy for its sensitivity and accuracy. Lena’s character is not defined by her autism but rather enriched by it. The show avoids the pitfalls of inspiration porn, instead presenting Lena as a fully realized individual with her own strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. This approach not only humanizes Lena but also challenges viewers to see autism as part of a broader spectrum of human experience.

Absolute Beginners is also a series that understands the power of silence. Many of its most poignant moments occur in quiet, unscripted exchanges between characters. A glance shared between Lena and Niko, a moment of hesitation before speaking, or the sound of waves crashing against the shore—these small, seemingly insignificant details are what give the series its emotional depth.

The show’s exploration of friendship is another standout element. Lena and Niko’s relationship is complex and multifaceted, encompassing love, rivalry, support, and conflict. Their dynamic feels authentic because it’s messy and unpredictable, much like real-life friendships. The series avoids the temptation to simplify their bond into a straightforward narrative of loyalty or betrayal, instead presenting it as a living, breathing entity that evolves over time.

In terms of genre fit, Absolute Beginners excels as a teen drama but also transcends its category through its thematic depth and character development. It’s a show that will appeal to fans of coming-of-age stories but also to viewers who appreciate thoughtful, well-crafted narratives regardless of genre.

The series’ direction is another strength. Tarabura and Warzecha’s vision is clear and consistent, with each episode building on the last to create a cohesive narrative arc. The pacing may falter at times, but the overall structure of the series is well-thought-out, with each plot thread carefully woven into the larger tapestry of Lena and Niko’s journey.

Absolute Beginners is not just a show for teens; it’s a series that will resonate with viewers of all ages. Its themes of self-discovery, friendship, and artistic expression are universal, making it a show that can be appreciated on multiple levels.