While doing a random search through HBO Max, I came across the movie THE LURE. It looked promising, so I gave it a shot. I had never heard of this film before and have always been interested in cryptozoology, so mermaids are a fascination for me. I didn’t have high expectations and had no idea what to expect. I saw an exciting horror musical with a decent story and significant visual effects.
THE LURE (Polish title: “Córki dancingu”) is a unique and visually striking Polish film directed by Agnieszka Smoczyńska. Released in 2015, the film is a bold exploration of the intersection between fantasy and reality, blending horror, musical, and drama elements. The story revolves around two mermaid sisters who emerge from the sea and become involved in the vibrant nightlife of Warsaw.
The film begins with the seductive sirens, Silver (Marta Mazurek) and Golden (Michalina Olszańska), transforming from fishtails into human form. Captivated by the glittering lights and sounds of the city, the sisters decide to join a cabaret nightclub where they perform as exotic dancers. Their entrancing voices and ethereal beauty captivate the audience and the staff at the club.
As the sisters navigate the human world, they grapple with love, identity, and mortality challenges. Silver falls in love with a young musician named Mietek (Jakub Gierszał), while Golden prefers a more predatory approach. The film explores the consequences of their choices and the clash between their mythical nature and the human world.
THE LURE delves into the theme of identity as the mermaid sisters struggle with their dual nature. The transition from sea creatures to humans is physical and emotional, leading to a complex exploration of self-discovery and acceptance.
The film uses the mermaids’ sensuality and allure to explore themes of human desire and sexuality. With its provocative performances, the cabaret setting becomes a metaphor for the darker aspects of human desire. The sisters’ interaction with humans exposes them to mortality and the consequences of their actions. The film doesn’t shy away from the darker side of the fairy tale, addressing themes of loss and sacrifice.
THE LURE is a musical at heart, with the characters frequently breaking into song and dance. The music serves as a narrative tool, conveying emotions and advancing the story. The catchy tunes contribute to the film’s unique and memorable atmosphere.
The film’s visual style is a standout element, combining a vibrant color palette with surreal and dreamlike imagery. The underwater scenes are contrasted with the neon-lit cityscape, creating a visually striking juxtaposition. The use of practical effects, such as the mermaids’ tails, adds a tactile and tangible quality to the fantastical elements.
The cinematography by Kuba Kijowski is notable for its dynamic and immersive approach. The camera moves fluidly between underwater and above-water scenes, capturing the mermaids’ enchanting performances and the gritty reality of their interactions with humans. The use of long takes and inventive framing enhances the film’s visual impact.
THE LURE received positive reviews for its audacious and imaginative storytelling. Critics praised the film’s originality, visual flair, and the performances of the lead actresses. While some found the narrative to be unconventional and challenging, others appreciated its willingness to subvert genre expectations.
THE LURE stands out as a bold and inventive piece of cinema that successfully merges fantasy, horror, and musical elements. Agnieszka Smoczyńska’s directorial vision, combined with the compelling performances and striking visuals, makes this Polish film a captivating and thought-provoking experience for audiences willing to explore the depths of its fantastical world.
~David Albaugh