365 Days (2020): The Film That Had Everyone Talking—for Better or Worse
When 365 Days (365 Dni) premiered on Netflix in 2020, it quickly became one of the most talked-about films of the year. Some called it dangerously romantic, others called it outright problematic. Either way, it sparked a global reaction that ranged from obsession to outrage.
But what exactly made this Polish erotic thriller such a viral sensation?
The Plot: A Risky Fantasy
The story centers on Laura Biel, a successful sales director who finds herself in a stagnant relationship. On a trip to Sicily, she’s kidnapped by Massimo Torricelli, a powerful mafia boss who has been obsessed with her ever since a near-death experience in which he claims to have seen her face. His proposal: Laura has 365 days to fall in love with him, or she’s free to go.
It’s a premise that walks a very fine line between dark fantasy and deeply problematic territory—and that line is where most of the controversy lies.
The Controversy
From its release, 365 Days was met with a firestorm of criticism. Mental health professionals, advocacy groups, and critics alike raised concerns about its portrayal of abuse, coercion, and glamorized control. The central relationship is built on a foundation of manipulation, and the film never fully interrogates or critiques that dynamic.
Yet, despite (or perhaps because of) its controversial narrative, the film dominated streaming charts, trended on social media for weeks, and launched the lead actors into global fame.
Why Did It Go Viral?
- Pandemic Timing: Released during global lockdowns, the film offered viewers a form of escapism into a hyper-luxurious, hyper-sexualized fantasy.
- Curiosity: Many watched simply to see what the fuss was about.
- Eroticism: The film’s explicit content drew comparisons to Fifty Shades of Grey, but took things much further in both visuals and tone.
- Aesthetic Appeal: From exotic locations to designer wardrobes and dramatic cinematography, the film has a high-gloss, music-video style that appealed to a wide audience.
Style Over Substance?
Visually, 365 Days is polished and immersive. The locations are stunning, the fashion is high-end, and the soundtrack is memorable. However, these surface-level strengths mask deeper issues. The script is often shallow, the characters underdeveloped, and the romanticization of control is rarely challenged.
As a piece of cinema, it’s more of a fantasy than a narrative—it doesn’t aim for realism or moral complexity. Whether that’s a flaw or a deliberate choice is up for debate.
Final Thoughts
365 Days is not a film for everyone. It’s a bold, provocative, and often reckless portrayal of obsession masquerading as romance. For some, it’s an indulgent escape. For others, it’s an alarming example of how media can normalize dangerous ideas.
Regardless of where you land, one thing is undeniable: the film captured the world’s attention. And sometimes, cultural impact speaks louder than critical approval.
