‘Erupcja’ (2025)

Set against the backdrop of bustling Warsaw, ‘Erupcja’ follows 30-something-year-old florist Nel (Lena Góra) as she crosses paths once again with British tourist Bethany (Charli XCX). Having met years ago as teens while Bethany was on a school trip, the two seem to meet every time there is a major volcanic eruption. Holding on to the superstition that the two have a magical connection, the two women let the coincidences lead them to explore their questionable chemistry.

The core of the story revolves around the Polish florist and her relationship with the British tourist. Strongly holding on to the belief that every time they meet a volcano erupts, the two young-ish women lean into using the natural phenomenon as an excuse to pursue an overtly hedonistic course of action.

Depending on your level of tolerance towards people well into their adulthood that have retained juvenile behaviour that may at some point in the past have been viewed as quirky or bohemian, ‘Erupcja’ will test the limits of one’s patience when it comes to somewhat puerile conduct, particularly when examining Nel and Bethany’s regard for other people’s feelings and respect for their time.

Playing fantastically off of each other, Góra’s Nel and Charli XCX’s Bethany showcase an intriguing pairing where both are very aware of their inevitable pursuit of each other and complete lack of consideration for anyone else. With each meeting of the two resulting in missed dates, cheating on their partners and confused feelings, Nel and Bethany still manage to relish each other’s company and radiate excitement in everything they do together.

Supported by Will Madden as Rob, Bethany’s boyfriend, ‘Erupcja’ also tracks the receiving end of a runaway girlfriend. With the intention of travelling to Warsaw to propose, Rob’s plans are systematically thwarted as Bethany is aware of Rob’s intentions and does not have the capacity to confront him about her uncertainty, choosing rather to chase fast and cheap pleasures with Nel.

Understanding, Rob ultimately figures out the relationship between Nel and Bethany. With the latter having headed for the hills, Nel and Rob share their experiences and dispel Nel and Bethany’s proclivity towards relying on a natural phenomenon to excuse their selfish behaviour.

Ending on a more positive note than could have been anticipated, writer and director Pete Ohs delivers an experimental film that focuses on women and the intersections of their lives. Interlaced with exposition narrated by Jacek Zubiel, the narration goes beyond scene setting explanations as Zubiel’s monologues interweave odd titbits about the characters that add to the overall eccentric nature of the feature.

Simple yet unusual, the film’s tight runtime provides for a very brief but eventful window into the two women’s lives. Showing us how their paths intersect and the fallout that everyone around them has to deal with, ‘Erupcja’ is a welcome invitation rather than a scornful calling-out of people’s need to understand their conduct and take responsibility. Without too contemptuous a reprimand, both Nel and Bethany are ultimately faced with accepting their actions and bettering themselves as people.

With Nel owning up to her past indiscretions to her current girlfriend Ula (Agata Trzebuchowska), steady character development promises a better way forward for her. The jury may still be out on Bethany who decides to run from Rob and travel for a while before moving out of their shared abode. Unique and insightful, Góra and Charli XCX carry the film as they portray two flawed characters that are shown to be capable of change.

Score: 3/4