Tomasz Raczek reviews cinematic adaptation of ‘Lalka’

Film critic Tomasz Raczek has shared his assessment of Maciej Kawulski’s cinematic adaptation of Bolesław Prus’s novel ‘Lalka’, awarding it six out of ten stars. While Raczek praised the production's scale and the performances of supporting actresses such as Agata Kulesza, Maria Dębska, and Maja Komorowska, he criticized Kamila Urzędowska’s portrayal of Izabela Łęcka, describing it as a “stone dragging the film down.”

In discussing the broader debate surrounding recent adaptations of the novel, including the Netflix series directed by Paweł Maślona, Raczek noted that the controversy reflects the diverse perspectives of the audience. He defended the use of modernized and more blunt language in the adaptations, arguing that it serves as a literary play rather than a violation of historical accuracy. He suggested that such cultural debates are a positive sign of engagement in a divided social climate.