“365 Days” (original title: “365 Dni”) exploded onto the global streaming scene in 2020 as one of Netflix’s most controversial releases. Directed by Barbara Bialowas and Tomasz Mandes, and based on the novel by Blanka Lipińska, this Polish erotic romantic drama drew comparisons to the “Fifty Shades of Grey” franchise, but with even more graphic sensuality and a bolder premise.
The film stirred up conversations around the globe for its portrayal of dominance, obsession, and the line between fantasy and coercion. In this review, we dive deep into what makes “365 Days” a cult sensation and why it remains a polarizing piece of cinematic art.
Plot Overview
“365 Days” tells the story of Laura Biel (Anna-Maria Sieklucka), a successful Warsaw executive stuck in a stagnant relationship. On a trip to Sicily, she encounters Massimo Torricelli (Michele Morrone), a dangerous yet magnetic mafia boss who has been obsessed with her since she unknowingly saved his life years earlier. After the death of his father, Massimo kidnaps Laura and gives her 365 days to fall in love with him.
What follows is a provocative narrative filled with luxury, control, resistance, and sexual tension. The film centers on Laura’s emotional and psychological journey as she navigates the blurry boundaries between captivity and desire.
Visual Appeal and Direction
Visually, “365 Days” is a high-gloss, aesthetically stunning production. The cinematography by Bartek Cierlica highlights the opulence of Mediterranean landscapes, designer fashion, and luxury lifestyle. The camera lingers on sensual details, from the glint of sunlight on waves to the lingering looks between the two protagonists.
The direction leans heavily into the fantasy aspect of the story. Every frame is soaked in extravagance, almost to the point of being escapist. However, while visually rich, the film occasionally lacks depth in storytelling, prioritizing steamy sequences over character development.
Performance and Chemistry
Michele Morrone, in the role of Massimo, is magnetic and physically imposing, perfectly fitting the alpha male archetype. He embodies dominance with a mixture of brooding stares and intense charisma. Anna-Maria Sieklucka brings a mix of vulnerability and curiosity to Laura, though her performance occasionally struggles to break through the film’s reliance on physicality over dialogue.
The chemistry between the leads is undeniable. Their intimate scenes are intense and unapologetically explicit, which has become one of the film’s major talking points. This raw physicality creates the sexual tension the movie is known for, but it also invites criticism regarding consent and realism.
Themes: Love, Power, and Control
At the core of “365 Days” lies a troubling dynamic that has sparked countless debates. The film attempts to blur the line between force and fantasy. Massimo’s act of kidnapping Laura and giving her a year to fall in love skirts dangerously close to romanticizing abduction and coercion. While the narrative insists she is free to leave, the power imbalance is unmistakable.
The question arises: is this just an erotic fantasy, or does it send a harmful message? For many, the film serves as an exaggerated depiction of dominant-submissive relationships. For others, it’s a glamorized portrayal of Stockholm Syndrome. The movie doesn’t delve deeply into these nuances, often glossing over psychological implications in favor of titillation.
Cultural Impact and Audience Reception
Upon its release, “365 Days” became one of the most-watched titles on Netflix. Its provocative content, coupled with social media buzz, skyrocketed it to viral status. Fans praised its boldness, passionate love scenes, and escapist fantasy.
However, the backlash was equally fierce. Critics and advocacy groups condemned the film for glorifying abusive behavior and promoting unhealthy relationship models. Several petitions were launched to remove the film from Netflix. Despite (or perhaps because of) the controversy, the movie gained a cult following and was followed by two sequels.
Comparison to Similar Films
Comparisons to “Fifty Shades of Grey” are inevitable. Both series are based on novels with heavy erotic themes and complex power dynamics. Yet, “365 Days” pushes boundaries further with its unapologetic portrayal of raw sexual encounters and less emphasis on emotional depth.
Where “Fifty Shades” at least attempts to explore Christian Grey’s psychological trauma and the consensual aspects of BDSM, “365 Days” offers little insight into Massimo’s character beyond surface-level dominance. The film is less about relationship evolution and more about sexual power play.
Cinematography and Music
The film’s soundtrack deserves special mention. Featuring several original tracks by Michele Morrone himself, the music enhances the sensual tone of the film. Songs like “Feel It” and “Hard for Me” became popular on streaming platforms, adding to the film’s mystique.
The cinematography complements the erotic vibe, often using slow-motion, close-ups, and shadow play to heighten sexual tension. The film knows its audience and caters to the senses, from the visuals to the soundscape.
Criticism and Ethical Questions
The central criticism of “365 Days” lies in its romanticization of kidnapping and toxic masculinity. Critics argue that by portraying Massimo as an irresistible romantic hero rather than a criminal, the film blurs the line between fantasy and reality in a way that could be harmful, especially to younger audiences.
Moreover, Laura’s transition from prisoner to passionate partner lacks psychological depth and seems rushed. The story fails to address the emotional trauma that would naturally arise from such an experience. Instead, it offers a narrative that suggests love can grow out of extreme control, which many find problematic.
Conclusion
“365 Days” is a film that refuses to be ignored. It taps into primal fantasies of desire, dominance, and submission but does so with a heavy dose of controversy. For those looking for a steamy, escapist experience without delving into moral complexities, the film offers a highly stylized fantasy. However, for viewers sensitive to issues of consent and psychological realism, it raises serious red flags.
Whether you view it as a guilty pleasure or an ethically questionable narrative, “365 Days” undoubtedly holds a place in pop culture. It sparks conversations, challenges norms, and forces viewers to examine the fine line between fantasy and reality in modern storytelling.
