The Barrier

A young student (Jan Nowicki) decides to quit his studies to try his luck in life – his plan is to find a wealthy wife and secure a comfortable life with a house and a car. His generation, labeled as unprincipled and entitled, grows up in the shadow of war veterans who believe that young people should repay loyalty and hard work without expecting any privileges in return. The protagonist pretends to be a fiancé and takes part in everyday rituals: on Good Friday, he joins students in their traditional fast; on Holy Saturday, he helps wealthy residents with household chores; and on Sunday, he indulges in pleasures—dining in a restaurant with a woman outside his social circle. When Wet Monday arrives, his actions and fascination with the mysterious girl lead to a public humiliation of the heroine, ending her brief adventure with an anonymous admirer. The story portrays youthful dreams confronted with the realities of the adult world, full of conventions, façades, and social tensions.