Love, Obsession, and Controversy
As per the movie’s publicity, when 365 Days (365 Dni) was made available to the public on February 7th, 2020, it was the center of controversy. Unlike other films which aim to seek critical praise and commendations, this film produced heated discussions on romance, fantasy, and above all, consent. Directed by Tomasz Mandes and Barbara Białową, this period drama is based on a best selling trilogy by Blanka Lipińska. Despite having critics tearing it apart due to its unhealthy view on power and love, its availability on Netflix attracted viewers globally.
A Tale of Kidnapping and Desire
The film tells the story of an unfulfilled ambitious Polish woman, Laura Biel (Anna-Maria Sieklucka) who is bored of her relationships and is seeking something out of the ordinary. Laura’s life drastically changes when she is kidnapped by Massimo Torricelli (Michele Morrone), a Sicilian mafia leader, during her trip to Sicily.
Massimo, who developed an infatuation with Laura during their brief encounter, gives her an ultimatum: she has a year to love him. He guarantees that he will not physically abuse her without her approval, yet constantly uses coercive methods to negate her freedom. Beneath his alluring behavior, however, anger, fear, and attraction also radiate. Further complicating their romance are Massimo’s disturbing ties to the mafia, which leads to an intense climax, doling out the feeling of wanting to read more in the next parts.
Cast & Crew
Directors: Barbara Białowąs, Tomasz Mandes
Producers: Ewa Lewandowska, Tomasz Mandes, Maciej Kawulski
Based on: 365 Dni by Blanka Lipińska
Main Cast:
Michele Morrone as Massimo Torricelli
Anna-Maria Sieklucka as Laura Biel
Bronisław Wrocławski as Mario
Magdalena Lamparska as Olga
Natasza Urbańska as Anna
Cinematic Style: A Visual Fantasy
365 Days forgoes dreamy golds for immersive colors to elaborate on a world filled with wealth and sexuality, all while being filmed in both Italy and Poland. Every shot feasts the viewer’s eyes with lavish estates and stunning ocean sceneries. To stir the tension even further, orderly shots paired with rich decoration are utilized while the sultry soundtrack is playing which includes some of Michele Morrone’s ballads like ‘Hard for Me’ which easily adds the cherry atop of the story’s emotional undertone.
Themes Under the Microscope
Obsession vs. Love
Was Laura’s love towards Massimo genuine, or was it something forced onto her? This question is the primary one that the film addresses and unfortunately, within it is the blurred line between romance and coercion which makes the moral landscape murky.
Power and Control
There are many unsettling power dynamics inflicted with Massimo’s domination over Laura’s life which can easily be pointed out within the film. Unfortunately, this is often glamourized within films and this one poses as no exception by framing control as alluring rather than portraying what actually is the problem.
Fantasy vs Reality
The film cultivates a fantasy by alienating morality when showcasing romance, which can be troubling for some since it promotes damaging concepts of love and relationships, yet for others it is entertaining.
Consent and Autonomy
Massimo guarantees that he won’t touch Laura unless given permission, but from the kidnapping to the torture, his actions are too contradictory to the promise. Many critics on the other hand, believe that the film downplays the consent issue.
Critical Reception
365 Days was highly criticized, notwithstanding its popularity. While the audience rated it 29% on Rotten Tomatoes, the critics rating remained a disappointing 0%. Many noted the underdeveloped characters as well as the unrealistic storyline as the reason for their scathing reviews. “An erotic thriller with neither the erotics nor the thrills,” is how Kristy Puchko of Pajiba characterized it.
While most agreed that it was similar to the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, it was well understood that 365 Days lacked the character evolution and emotional attachment required to base the shocking aspects of the earlier series on.
Cultural Impact and Controversy
The film’s success can be attributed to social media marketing. Michele Morrone’s performance as Massimo garnered numerous memes, fan edits, and debates, which made it a guilty pleasure for the audience.
Nonetheless, 365 Days was also the center of controversy. Critics and groups of advocacy clamored for the film’s ban from Netflix, denouncing it for romanticizing abuse. Over half a million people signed petitions requesting the film’s ban due to claims of it promoting toxic relationships.
In defense, fans stated that it was a piece of fiction that should not be seen in the light of real-life practices. Regardless of what opinion a person had, the impact of the film was beyond question. Two sequels Tanya: This Day and The Next 365 Days were produced, and released in 2022.
Conclusion
Seasons, the first edition of the trilogy, serves as a catalysts for conflict. The film marries intense romance with themes of power, consent, and fantasy. Even though there have been a number of critiques around the portrayal of relationships, in a world of fantasies, the temptation the film presents is hard to deny. Somewhere, the film offers a deep analysis of forbidden romances, while for others it serves as a concerning example of abuse cloaked in passion.
It cannot be argued that 365 Days has not left a mark over the culture. No matter if it is adored or detested, it highlights the undying attraction to narratives that walk the line between imagination and reality.
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