365 Days (2020), a Polish erotic drama based on the book by Blanka Lipińska, quickly became a sensation upon its release on Netflix, attracting a lot of attention for its steamy content and controversial themes. Directed by Barbara Białowąs and Tomasz Mandes, the film tells the story of Laura Biel, a young woman who is kidnapped by a Sicilian mafia boss, Massimo Torricelli, who gives her 365 days to fall in love with him. While the film has been criticized for its portrayal of toxic relationships and problematic themes, it has found a large audience, particularly for its sensual content and dramatic plot twists.
Movie Overview
- Title: 365 Days
- Genre: Erotic, Drama, Romance
- Director: Barbara Białowąs, Tomasz Mandes
- Writers: Blanka Lipińska (book), Tomasz Mandes (screenplay)
- Release Date: June 7, 2020
- Cast:
- Michele Morrone as Massimo Torricelli
- Anna-Maria Sieklucka as Laura Biel
- Magdalena Lamparska as Olga
- Natasza Urbańska as Anna
- Otar Saralidze as Domenico
- Grażyna Szapołowska as Massimo’s mother
Plot Summary
The film follows Laura Biel (Anna-Maria Sieklucka), a successful woman in her 20s who has a seemingly perfect life with her boyfriend, Martin. However, when she is on vacation in Sicily, she is kidnapped by Massimo Torricelli (Michele Morrone), the powerful leader of the Sicilian mafia. Massimo, who had previously witnessed Laura in a vision during a traumatic event involving his father’s death, becomes obsessed with her. He gives her an ultimatum: she has 365 days to fall in love with him, or she will be released.
What follows is a tumultuous and intense relationship between the two, filled with luxurious settings, passionate encounters, and dangerous power plays. Massimo showers Laura with expensive gifts, offers her a life of luxury, and ultimately manipulates her emotions. Despite the toxic and often disturbing nature of their relationship, Laura gradually starts to find herself drawn to him, although she continues to grapple with the ethical and emotional consequences of her captivity.
As the story progresses, the complex relationship between Massimo and Laura unfolds, filled with unexpected twists, betrayals, and deepening passion. The film ends on a cliffhanger, leaving room for potential sequels.
Themes Explored
- Control and Obsession: One of the key themes in 365 Days is the idea of control. Massimo’s obsession with Laura leads him to manipulate and dictate her life, offering her luxury and power in exchange for her emotional submission. The film delves into the toxic dynamics of power and dominance in relationships.
- Romanticization of Abuse: The film has been widely criticized for romanticizing kidnapping, abuse, and manipulation. Massimo’s actions—such as taking Laura against her will and controlling her emotions—are presented as passionate romance rather than abusive behavior, which many viewers and critics found troubling.
- Desire and Passion: At its core, 365 Days is a story about forbidden desire and overwhelming attraction. The intense sexual chemistry between Massimo and Laura is central to the narrative, and the film focuses heavily on these passionate moments.
- Transformation and Emotional Growth: While the relationship is based on a disturbing premise, there is a subtle undercurrent of emotional growth. Laura begins to struggle with her feelings for Massimo and her own identity, questioning whether her desire for him is genuine or born out of the circumstances she’s trapped in.
- Mafia and Power: The mafia backdrop adds another layer to the story, with Massimo’s criminal world influencing his behavior and actions. The film explores the concept of power, both in terms of the mafia and the personal control Massimo exerts over Laura.
Why Watch 365 Days?
- Steamy Romance: For fans of erotic thrillers, 365 Days delivers a strong dose of passion and sensuality. The film is filled with steamy love scenes that will appeal to viewers looking for a high-intensity romantic experience.
- Visual Appeal: The movie’s cinematography showcases the luxurious landscapes of Sicily, with stunning backdrops and glamorous settings. It offers an aesthetically pleasing experience for those who enjoy visually captivating films.
- Michele Morrone’s Performance: Michele Morrone, as Massimo, is a standout in the film. His intense, brooding presence and physical attractiveness help to fuel the film’s appeal, especially for viewers drawn to charismatic antiheroes.
- Intriguing Plot: Despite the controversy surrounding the film’s themes, the plot itself is full of suspense and unexpected twists. The conflict between desire, manipulation, and genuine love makes for an intriguing watch.
Criticisms of 365 Days
- Romanticizing Toxic Relationships: The primary criticism of 365 Days is its portrayal of a deeply problematic and abusive relationship as a romance. Many critics argue that the film glamorizes control, coercion, and emotional manipulation, which can send the wrong message to viewers.
- Lack of Depth: The movie’s focus on passion and sexuality often overshadows the development of its characters. Laura’s emotional arc feels rushed, and Massimo’s motivations are not explored in enough depth to make him a fully realized character. The movie fails to provide a deeper exploration of the psychological and emotional aspects of the characters.
- Problematic Themes: Critics have pointed out that the film’s themes of kidnapping and Stockholm syndrome are handled inappropriately. Instead of highlighting the dangers of these dynamics, the film seems to glorify them, which has led to significant backlash, particularly on social media.
- Predictability: While the film’s twists may be unexpected for some viewers, many found the plot predictable and lacking in originality. The narrative doesn’t offer anything particularly new to the erotic thriller genre, making it feel formulaic at times.
How to Watch 365 Days (2020)
- Streaming on Netflix
365 Days is available for streaming on Netflix. Subscribers can watch the film in HD quality with subtitles in various languages. Since the film is available exclusively on Netflix, it’s easy to access for viewers who already have a subscription. - Avoid Piracy
To support the filmmakers and ensure a high-quality viewing experience, it is recommended to watch 365 Days through legitimate streaming platforms like Netflix. Piracy is illegal and can negatively impact the film industry.
Conclusion
365 Days (2020) is a film that generates strong reactions, from fans who enjoy its passionate, high-stakes romance to critics who decry its troubling portrayal of abusive relationships. While it may be entertaining for viewers looking for an erotic thriller with a strong dose of fantasy and desire, the film’s underlying messages about control, manipulation, and power dynamics leave much to be desired. It’s a movie that will likely appeal to fans of sensational romance but will leave many questioning its moral implications.
For those intrigued by its premise, 365 Days provides an intense and visually appealing experience, but it is essential to approach it with caution due to its controversial themes. If you’re looking for a more thoughtful exploration of relationships, this may not be the film for you.
Disclaimer
This article encourages viewers to watch 365 Days through authorized streaming platforms. Piracy is illegal and can negatively affect the film industry. Always choose legal methods to enjoy your movies.
