Less of a Stranger: A Disappointing Look at Jan Borysewicz

The Polish language film Less of a Stranger has arrived on Netflix, promising to tell the story of 80s rock icon Jan Borysewicz and his band Lady Pank. Unfortunately, the movie ends up being a standard, cookie cutter biopic that fails to capture the unique energy of its subject. If you are unfamiliar with Polish rock history, you might pick up a few facts about life under Communism, but the rest of the film feels bland and generic.

The narrative follows the expected path of a troubled youth seeking rebellion against a strict upbringing. It touches on themes of family trauma and political tension, but these elements never feel like more than simple set dressing. Instead of exploring how Borysewicz navigated the complex landscape of his time, the film relies on empty monologues and a repetitive plot structure that offers few surprises to the viewer.

Technically, the film struggles as well. The constant use of blue and yellow filters makes the visual experience grating, and the soundtrack often favors American rock over the music that made Lady Pank famous. It is a missed opportunity that avoids the band's actual success and instead dwells on a story that feels like it could belong to anyone. For those looking for an engaging music biopic, this one likely won't hit the mark.