🎬In Hiding

Radom, towards the end of World War II. Janina (Julia Kijowska), a quiet and reserved young Polish woman, lives with her father (Krzysztof Stroiński). When her father offers shelter to Ester (Magdalena Boczarska), a charismatic Jewish artist and the daughter of his close friend, Janina's structured world changes completely. Ester is hidden in a small cellar underneath the apartment to escape the Holocaust.

When Janina's father is unexpectedly arrested by the Gestapo, Janina becomes Ester's sole protector and link to the outside world. Trapped in extreme isolation, an intense, sensuous, and claustrophobic bond develops between the two women. As Janina's deep attraction turns into an all-consuming obsession, she begins to fear the end of the war—realizing that liberation means losing Ester. Driven by desperate desire, Janina decides to conceal the truth about the end of the war from Ester, keeping her captive in a psychological web of toxic love.

💡 Did you know?
Inspired by Real Events: Screenwriter Maciej Karpiński based the narrative on a real-life historical account told by a doctor who encountered a similar case of war-era captivity born out of obsessive love.

Award-Winning Score & Craft: The film features an atmospheric score composed by Michał Lorenc and haunting, shadowy cinematography by Łukasz Gutt, emphasizing the claustrophobia of the cellar and apartment.

Renowned Director: Directed by Jan Kidawa-Błoński, who previously won the Golden Lions at the Gdynia Film Festival for Little Rose (Różyczka, 2010), also starring Magdalena Boczarska.

⭐ Film Evaluation & Ratings 📈
⭐ Global Critical Consensus: 6.6 / 10 (Gdynia Film Festival Competition / 6.2 IMDb)

Recognized in Polish and international LGBTQ+ film circuits for its daring exploration of war-era obsession, atmospheric tension, and fearless performances by Julia Kijowska and Magdalena Boczarska.

🎨 Visual & Claustrophobic Craft: 7.8 / 10

Łukasz Gutt's intimate camera work effectively transforms the confined apartment space into a dark chamber piece where intimacy and imprisonment blur together.

📝 Portal Recommendation:

A compelling entry for Polish Queer Cinema, Historical Psychological Thrillers, and Dark Obsession Spotlights. Pairs naturally with titles like The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister (2010), Fingersmith (2005), or The Handmaiden (2016).