STRZĘPY

2022 / 98 min / color

In her second narrative feature, acclaimed documentary filmmaker Beata Dzianowicz looks at the rippling effects on a family’s internal dynamics in the aftermath of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, which deals a huge blow to the equilibrium of the characters’ everyday lives. The progressing illness of the grandfather (Grzegorz Przybył, who won an award for this role at Gdynia PFF) causes his actions to become more and more disturbing. He breaks the norms of acceptable social behavior, which in turn deeply affects the other members of his multi-generational family; their close relationships are put to a serious test and have to be re-evaluated. More questions and doubts arise; hidden tensions, secrets and mutual resentments come to light. With great subtlety, Dzianowicz examines an experience that no one is ever truly ready for. As the grandfather’s condition worsens, she shows how important values and considerations — love, responsibility for another human being, parenthood, and fear of illness – are all suddenly at stake, and how difficult it is to make a choice. Tender, empathetic cinema.

• Gdynia PFF – Award for directing debut or second film, Award for best actor in a supporting role (Grzegorz Przybył)
• Warsaw Film Festival – Special Jury Award for best script