Hunting Flies

Włodek (Z. Malanowicz) lives in a house where he does not set the tone – his wife and mother-in-law have complete control over daily life, from household matters to child-rearing duties. His father-in-law has withdrawn from family tensions, observing everything from a distance, which further emphasizes Włodek’s loneliness in his own life. Weary from the pressure and constant feeling of unfulfillment, the man escapes briefly to freedom alongside a chance acquaintance, a Polish studies student. At first, he treats the relationship as an escape, but it soon becomes clear that Irena (M. Braunek) does not intend to play the role of a mere “affair.” She has a plan for him – she wants him to develop professionally and use his talent for working with the Russian language. Włodek quickly realizes that this is the last thing he desires. Career dreams are not his dreams. By adapting Janusz Głowacki’s story, Wajda created a film that serves as a bitter commentary on male-female relationships.