The Hater

I wanted the ending to be a little different and it didn't quite fit with how everything kept working out for the main "hero", but I can't deny that the film is stylish, worldly, nasty and chillingly contemporary and I was constantly wondering what would happen next, where it would lead and how it would end. (20.06.2021)

Perversely clever and very pertinent. This goes from a banal ballad about people making fun of a former law student becomes an unexpectedly well thought through and, as it turns out, very bloody probe into the world of manipulative social media. Komasa makes light work of presenting us this chillingly realistic story of social engineering with the confidence of a world-famous director. Excellently acted and suspenseful to the end. (21.01.2021)

Bravo, Poland! This is another directorial knockout from Jan Komasa and the entire Polish film crew. In The Hater, Komasa loosely builds on Suicide Room (2011) and once again shows us the lurking dangers of the internet, though from a fresh angle this time. The story is almost brilliantly crafted — even when you see where it’s headed, the ending still leaves you completely shocked. Plus, it looks like we've got a new Polish acting star on the rise. Maciej Musiałowski absolutely nails the role of an introverted psychopath, with a face that screams trouble—someone you'd definitely avoid in a dark alley but would love to watch on screen. (06.11.2020)

One of the best films I've seen in a while is unexpectedly from Poland, who are one of the best in Europe lately, because what they've been doing lately is unreal. The story focuses on Tomek, he has been expelled from law school for plagiarism and finds an interesting job that involves destroying people's lives, and since he's a bit of a psychopath, he dives into it full force. He's highly intelligent, quick-witted, cool, and plays it perfectly. The film has a great story, good characters, an uncomfortable atmosphere, intelligent dialogue, lots of interesting ideas that at times make you think "this is really powerful", and quite originally, it also includes a virtual world, where Tomek plans some nasty things with a computer game. The finale is so shocking and chilling that it will leave you speechless. The Hater is, in one sentence, a riveting psychological Fincher-like thriller from Poland! I recommend it!! Story*****, Action***, Humor>No, Violence***, Entertainment*****, Music****, Visuals****, Atmosphere*****, Suspense****. 8.5/10. (01.09.2020)

A psychological insight into the mind of a manipulative psychopathic liar against the backdrop of political events and his work in a marketing firm that often goes beyond the edge of humanity. Maciej Musialowski handled the role of the main character excellently, his facial expressions added to the authenticity and made the film seem believable overall, and that's what elevates it a little higher. The pacing was a little too slow for my liking, and although the atmosphere was properly stifling and raw in places, and the final scene with the shooter was chilling, I still found the film lacking a deeper point and more memorable moments that would make me want to watch it again. A better average, which for such a stretched out running time is not that interesting in places, but the day after watching it the impression is a bit better right after it was over. (30.08.2020)