The Hater

I wanted the ending to be a little different and it didn't quite fit with how everything kept working out for the main "hero", but I can't deny that the film is stylish, worldly, nasty and chillingly contemporary and I was constantly wondering what would happen next, where it would lead and how it would end. (20/06/2021)

Perversely clever and very pertinent. This goes from a banal ballad about people making fun of a former law student becomes an unexpectedly well thought through and, as it turns out, very bloody probe into the world of manipulative social media. Komasa makes light work of presenting us this chillingly realistic story of social engineering with the confidence of a world-famous director. Excellently acted and suspenseful to the end. (22/01/2021)

Bravo, Poland! This is another directorial knockout from Jan Komasa and the entire Polish film crew. In The Hater, Komasa loosely builds on Suicide Room (2011) and once again shows us the lurking dangers of the internet, though from a fresh angle this time. The story is almost brilliantly crafted — even when you see where it’s headed, the ending still leaves you completely shocked. Plus, it looks like we've got a new Polish acting star on the rise. Maciej Musiałowski absolutely nails the role of an introverted psychopath, with a face that screams trouble—someone you'd definitely avoid in a dark alley but would love to watch on screen. (06/11/2020)

The Polish filmmakers offered me a chilling look into the life of a spineless and unscrupulous motherfucker (pardon my French, I just couldn't help it) while providing a powerful viewing experience. The main bastard (no, I really can't call this guy a hero) is a character who reminded me of Heydrich, as he too focused only on personal gain, without pausing to consider the means used or the fate of the people he took advantage of. The filmmakers have done an excellent job. (07/05/2021)