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 sun dips below the horizon in Ustka, painting the Polish seaside in hues of orange and pink, as Lena Głowacka (Martyna Byczkowska) and Niko (Bartłomiej Deklewa) set up their camera for what could be the most important shot of their lives. This is the opening image of Absolute Beginners, a Netflix teen drama that tries to carve out its own niche in the crowded coming-of-age genre.

Created by Kamila Tarabura and Katarzyna Warzecha, Absolute Beginners follows Lena, an autistic teenager, and Niko, her best friend, as they spend their final summer before film school. Their dynamic is disrupted by Igor Tymczenko (Jan Sałasiński), a basketball prodigy who sparks unfamiliar desires in both of them. The series was shot on location in Ustka, Sopot, and Hel, lending an authentic backdrop to this tale of friendship, love, and self-discovery.

What works best about Absolute Beginners is its commitment to exploring the complexities of teenage life without resorting to clichés. Martyna Byczkowska delivers a nuanced performance as Lena, bringing depth and authenticity to her character’s struggles with autism and her burgeoning feelings for Igor. Bartłomiej Deklewa holds his own as Niko, capturing the angst and confusion of adolescence with equal measure. Jan Sałasiński’s portrayal of Igor is compelling, adding a layer of intensity that drives the narrative forward.

The series also benefits from its supporting cast, particularly Paulina Krzyżańska as Malwina and Katarzyna Warnke as Tamara, Lena’s mother. Their performances add richness to the story, providing emotional depth and grounding the more fantastical elements of teen drama.

However, Absolute Beginners falters in its pacing and structural choices. The first episode sets up an intriguing premise, but subsequent episodes struggle to maintain the same level of engagement. Some plotlines feel underdeveloped, and the series occasionally succumbs to the tropes it aims to subvert. The soundtrack, while fitting, sometimes overpowers the dialogue, making it difficult to fully immerse in the characters’ experiences.

The cinematography is a standout feature, with sweeping shots of the Polish coastline that add a sense of grandeur to the story. However, some scenes feel overly stylized, detracting from the emotional core of the narrative.

In the end, Absolute Beginners is a promising but uneven series. It has the potential to be something special, with strong performances and a fresh take on teen drama, but it stumbles in its execution.