Watch My Friend the Polish Girl

My Friend the Polish Girl is a thought-provoking drama that explores themes of exploitation, cultural identity and the blurred lines between documentary and fiction. Despite its modest budget and unknown cast, this film manages to pack an emotional punch and captures the zeitgeist of contemporary London. At the heart of the film is the complex relationship between Katie (Emma Friedman-Cohen), a struggling filmmaker, and Alicja (Aneta Piotrowska), a young Polish immigrant who agrees to be the subject of Katie's new documentary. From the outset, it is clear that both women have their own agendas and insecurities: Katie, who is desperate to prove herself and secure funding for her project, is often manipulative and patronising towards her subject, whereas Alicja, who is trying to escape her tough upbringing and make a new life in London, struggles to articulate her feelings and assert her own agency.

Throughout the film, we see Katie's documentary take shape, as well as glimpses of Alicja's personal life, including her gig as a stripper, her rocky relationship with her boyfriend Tomek (Daniel Barry), and her encounters with other Polish immigrants in London. The film oscillates between moments of raw intimacy and uncomfortable voyeurism, as we witness the power dynamic between Katie and Alicja shift and evolve.

One of the strengths of My Friend the Polish Girl is its innovative use of form. The film is shot entirely on iPhones, and incorporates elements of both documentary and fiction filmmaking. At times, we see raw, unedited footage of Alicja going about her day-to-day life, whereas at other times, we see her in staged scenes, acting out scenarios dreamed up by Katie. This blurring of boundaries between reality and artifice creates a sense of unease, as we question the motives of both filmmaker and subject and the ethics of representing vulnerable individuals on screen.

The film is also notable for its critique of the way in which Polish immigrants are often stereotyped and exploited in contemporary British society. Alicja's experiences as a stripper, her strained relationship with Tomek, and her struggles to find stable work and accommodation all highlight the hardship that many Polish people face when trying to make a new life in the UK. By foregrounding this oft-ignored issue, My Friend the Polish Girl makes a powerful political statement.

Ultimately, however, the heart of the film is the relationship between Katie and Alicja. Both actresses deliver powerful performances, imbuing their characters with nuance and depth. Emma Friedman-Cohen's portrayal of Katie is particularly impressive, as she manages to convey the character's desperation and narcissism without making her irredeemable. Aneta Piotrowska, meanwhile, is a revelation as Alicja, conveying a range of emotion with minimal dialogue and bringing a sense of authenticity to the film.

In conclusion, My Friend the Polish Girl is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that defies genre boundaries and offers a nuanced commentary on contemporary British society. With its innovative use of form, raw performances and incisive critique of exploitation and cultural identity, this film is sure to linger in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll.