HOT SPOT

(director: Agnieszka Smoczynka; screenwriter: Robert Bolesto; cinematographer: Jakub Kijowski; editor: Beata Liszewska; music: Marcin Macuk, Zuzanna Wrońsk; cast: Andrzej Konopka (Dionne), Noomi Rapace (Rana), Reika Kirishima (Ayka), George Aurimas Cris (Zen), Filippa Koutoupa (Maria), Niki Sereti (Bossa); Runtime: 101; MPAA Rating: R; producer: Gregory Jankilevitsch; Canal+/Focus Feature; 2026)-Poland/Greece/Norway-in Polish & English)

“Dystopian futuristic tale that’s set among a multicultural population.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
 
Polish director Agnieszka Smoczynka (“The Lure”/”Fugue”) latest is this evocative 80s like sci-fi B-film. It’s a post-apocalyptic dystopian futuristic tale that’s set among a multicultural population (filmed in Greece).

It tells of an AI system called “The Head” ruling over a long-time devastated population living in a totalitarian state. In order for humans to survive they need resources like water, and to get it must hook-up with the controlling minds of artificial intelligence. 

The strange and enigmatic story centers around a group of non-conformist outsiders led by Rana (Noomi Rapace), who refuse to obey the state laws. They invade the community where the middle-aged private detective Djonny (Andrzej Konopka) works for The Head investigating ritual murders. He sports a bleached-blond mullet, lives in a luxury house with Ayka (Reika Kirishima), his singer wife, and their son, Zen (George Aurimas Cris).

Strained scenes ensue of witch-craft and psychedelic singing. It borrows material from films such as Blade Runner and Star Wars, but can’t hold things together to make its own mark.

I thought of this cyberpunk venture as more like a video game than a movie. There might be an audience for it, but just do not include me.

It played at the Fantasia Film Festival.

REVIEWED ON 9/4/2026  GRADE: C+
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