Passion spills over in the loose-limbed ‘Erupcja,’ starring Charli XCX

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Movie lovers know that films are often journeys, even when set close to home, and these journeys frequently feel like love stories, regardless of the outcome. This perfectly describes “Erupcja,” a charming and energetic film by American director Pete Ohs, starring Charli XCX. It’s a blend of romance, a desire for escape, and unexpected events, all set in the modern city of Warsaw.

Showing footage of a volcano erupting alongside the Polish title helps you understand the word’s meaning – and that’s exactly what the film does. It starts by giving the visuals a retro, 1960s art-house look with color tints and a vintage Polish song reminiscent of Henry Mancini, all to create a feeling that something both beautiful and unsettling is about to happen.

Actually, Bethany and Rob, a couple from Britain, didn’t come to Warsaw because of the volcano. The rumbling sounds could simply be from luggage on the old streets. Rob secretly planned to propose to Bethany in Paris, and a narrator (Jacek Zubiel) shares their thoughts and history as the story unfolds.

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Bethany decided on Warsaw because she wanted to reconnect with an old friend, Nel, a florist. Her sudden appearance under Nel’s balcony one night – sneaking away from her Airbnb with Rob – was both a surprise and a thrill for Nel. Just then, news broke that Mount Etna in Italy had erupted, causing flight cancellations across Europe. This eruption seemed to mirror the intense connection Bethany and Nel had as teenagers – a passionate bond built on shared experiences like drugs, clubs, deep conversations, and poetry. It’s a pattern with them: whenever they get together, a volcano seems to erupt somewhere in the world, leaving behind frustrated partners – like Nel’s girlfriend, Agata – to deal with the fallout.

Ohs’ film, “Erupcja,” which he also skillfully edited, feels like a unique blend of styles – the playful mystery of Jacques Rivette combined with the raw emotion of Roberto Rossellini, all filtered through a modern, energetic lens. Ohs collaborates closely with his cast – including Charli, Madden, Góra, and playwright Jeremy O. Harris (who plays an American artist in the film) – and they all share writing credit. The film feels spontaneous and improvisational, like a series of thoughtful conversations and unexpected turns, but it’s carefully crafted, not just thrown together.

The film captures the energy of a night out – the music (with a notable score by Charlie Watson and Isabella Summers), the aftermath, and a sense of healing and starting fresh. It feels very real, seen in the pop star’s nuanced portrayal of someone giving in to impulse (she’d be great in more films), in Madden’s quietly powerful sadness, and in how Góra plays the more down-to-earth partner in a pair creating their own legend. The film uses small, powerful details – flashes of color to set the mood, or a shot of a ringing phone that no one answers – to create a strong emotional impact.

The film playfully leaves the nature of Bethany and Nel’s relationship ambiguous – Nel dismisses comparisons to a grand romance – but that’s not really what matters. What makes “Erupcja” interesting is how it portrays people as energetic particles, influenced by where they are and their connections to others, constantly drawn together and pulled apart. While the characters experience some turbulence and loneliness, this charming independent film will definitely take you on a unique journey.

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2026-04-17 13:33