Pawel : You have an interest in politics?
Tomasz : No, absolutely not.
Pawel : What are you interested in, then?
Tomasz: People.
Although the quote might suggest protagonist Tomasz (Maciej Musialowski) as a humanist, like everything else about him in the Polish thriller The Hater he is a misanthrope, more precisely a sociopath. Like politics itself, this plot is heavy with ambivalence and chaos quietly disguised in party operatives dedicated either to liberal goodness or far-right thuggery.
The expansive story, which begins with introverted Tomasz barely emerging from behind his computer screen to Tomasz the operative, manipulating supposedly smart politicos and their supporters, without his allegiance to anyone but himself. As the story of a computer whiz who can spread fake news and turn elections on hate speech, Tomasz's story is more about what makes him run than how he runs.
Through his many improbable successes, including warping the campaign of an admirable mayoral candidate, Pawel Rudnicki (Maciej Stuhr), the camera follows the eerily placid Tomasz as he uses his technical power and odd charisma to shape local politics to his whim, it seems, for his motivations are not always clear. If you care about sophisticated Euro cinema that dwells on character more than plot, The Hater is a fine meal of a story. Although the dubbed English dialogue at times doesn't perfectly fit the translated captions, tie acting is so slick and camera work so smooth, meaning is never lost.
As an allegory about the effect of cyber power on the young, The Hater is a smart commentator. As an allegory about the ability of sociopaths to rule the political arena, it is a chilling reminder of the political realities around us. It's Netflix, and it promises a smart evening in the comfort of your home. Outside that safe haven, not so much.
Although the quote might suggest protagonist Tomasz (Maciej Musialowski) as a humanist, like everything else about him in the Polish thriller The Hater he is a misanthrope, more precisely a sociopath. Like politics itself, this plot is heavy with ambivalence and chaos quietly disguised in party operatives dedicated either to liberal goodness or far-right thuggery.
The expansive story, which begins with introverted Tomasz barely emerging from behind his computer screen to Tomasz the operative, manipulating supposedly smart politicos and their supporters, without his allegiance to anyone but himself. As the story of a computer whiz who can spread fake news and turn elections on hate speech, Tomasz's story is more about what makes him run than how he runs.
Through his many improbable successes, including warping the campaign of an admirable mayoral candidate, Pawel Rudnicki (Maciej Stuhr), the camera follows the eerily placid Tomasz as he uses his technical power and odd charisma to shape local politics to his whim, it seems, for his motivations are not always clear. If you care about sophisticated Euro cinema that dwells on character more than plot, The Hater is a fine meal of a story. Although the dubbed English dialogue at times doesn't perfectly fit the translated captions, tie acting is so slick and camera work so smooth, meaning is never lost.
As an allegory about the effect of cyber power on the young, The Hater is a smart commentator. As an allegory about the ability of sociopaths to rule the political arena, it is a chilling reminder of the political realities around us. It's Netflix, and it promises a smart evening in the comfort of your home. Outside that safe haven, not so much.