The Dark House (2009)
"Dom zly" (original title)

The story takes place in two parallel time planes. The first plot follows the events of one autumn night in 1978. Edward Srodon, a zootechnician, makes an accidental stopover in a farmhouse... See full summary »

Director:

Wojciech Smarzowski

Writers:

Lukasz Kosmicki (author), Wojciech Smarzowski (author)

Stars:

Arkadiusz Jakubik, Marian Dziedziel, Kinga Preis

7 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Arkadiusz Jakubik	...	Edward Srodon
Marian Dziedziel	...	Zdzislaw Dziabas
Kinga Preis	...	Bozena Dziabasowa
Bartlomiej Topa	...	Mróz
Katarzyna Cynke	...	Maria Lisowska / Grazyna Srodoniowa
Robert Wabich	...	Lisowski
Robert Wieckiewicz	...	Prosecutor Tomala
Krzysztof Czeczot	...	Banas
Eryk Lubos	...	Petrycki
Lech Dyblik	...	Zajdel
Marcin Juchniewicz	...	Woznak
Bartosz Zukowski	...	Hawryluk
Grzegorz Wojdon	...	Serg. Jasiak
Slawomir Orzechowski	...	Zieba
Anna Grzeszczak	...	Mrs. Pokrywkowa

Storyline

The story takes place in two parallel time planes. The first plot follows the events of one autumn night in 1978. Edward Srodon, a zootechnician, makes an accidental stopover in a farmhouse of Dziabas family in the remote area of Bieszczady Mountains. He stays for the night. The initial distrust between the guest and his hosts is quickly dispelled with moonshine and turns into a camaraderie, intimacy and even friendship. A plan of making a joint business arises, as well as passion and lust, which lead to a surprising and tragic consequences... Second plot is set on a winter day, during the Martial Law in Poland. An investigating team of Milicja Obywatelska (People's Militia) is visiting the crime scene. Lieutenant Mroz is trying to solve the multiple murder case from four years ago. The tool he has to his disposal is the reconstruction of events with help of the chief suspect, Srodon.

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Plot Keywords:

crime scene | remote | martial law | murder | multiple murder | 

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Taglines:

Truth? There is no such thing.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Details

Country:

Poland

Language:

Polish

Release Date:

27 November 2009 (Poland)

Also Known As:

The Dark House

Filming Locations:

Malopolskie, Poland

Box Office

Budget:

€1,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Film It, Polish Film Institute, SPI International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

References Fargo (1996)

User Reviews

A journey into the black heart of Poland's past

This, like Wojciech Smarzowski's previous outing, is an exploration of the side of Poland that many film makers don't want to show. Neither the plot nor the characters offer any hope that there'll be a happy ending, and it is easy to find yourself feeling suffocated in the cesspool of corruption and self-interest that the film presents.

The story follows the investigation into the murder of a family on a farm in 1978. This is used to highlight the ineptitude and indifference of the local police and the thick coat of corruption which stains everybody involved in the story.As with 'Wesele' ['the Wedding'], the director's previous feature, the story is fictional but is very firmly based on fact.

It is uncompromising, compelling and very well-made, and is suited for those who want something eye-opening and gritty.