Kiss, Kiss!

Netflix’s Kiss, Kiss!: A Polish Rom-Com with a Controversial Edge

Tomasz Konecki’s Kiss, Kiss! (2023) arrived on Netflix as a Polish romantic comedy with a premise that’s equal parts charming and contentious. The film follows Tomek (Mateusz Kościukiewicz), a self-proclaimed womanizer who locks eyes with Ola (Zofia Domalik), a bride-to-be, just two weeks before her wedding. What ensues is a high-stakes pursuit, blending humor with questionable romantic tropes. latestnetflix.com's view is that but behind the glossy rom-com veneer, the movie has sparked debate—some calling it misogynistic, others defending it as a darkly comedic take on modern love.

The Plot: A Race Against the Altar

The film’s setup is straightforward: Tomek, a serial flirt, bets he can win over any woman—until he meets Ola, who’s engaged to the son of an ambitious politician. The catch? She’s set to marry in 14 days. The story unfolds as Tomek pulls out all the stops to derail the wedding, leading to a series of chaotic, often cringe-worthy antics. The supporting cast—including Rafał Zawierucha, Agnieszka Więdłocha, and Cezary Pazura—adds depth, but the focus remains squarely on Tomek’s relentless (and ethically dubious) pursuit.

Controversy: Rom-Com or Red Flags?

Kiss, Kiss! hasn’t escaped criticism. Some reviews have labeled it "repulsive" and "misogynistic," particularly for its portrayal of relationships. One outlet noted that the film "goes out of its way to show that [a character’s] mistreatment of a woman only increased her love for him," suggesting a problematic undercurrent in its romantic dynamics. The director’s intent—whether to critique or glorify such behavior—remains a point of contention.

That said, the movie’s defenders argue it’s a satire, exaggerating toxic traits for comedic effect. The question lingers: Does Kiss, Kiss! cross the line, or is it a sharp, if uncomfortable, mirror held up to modern dating culture?

Behind the Scenes: Konecki’s Signature Style

Director Tomasz Konecki is no stranger to blending comedy with drama. A Warsaw native with a physics degree (yes, really), Konecki has built a career on films that walk the line between lighthearted and provocative. Kiss, Kiss! fits neatly into his filmography, though it’s his first Netflix original—a platform that amplifies both its reach and its scrutiny.

The cast, a mix of Polish cinema veterans and rising stars, brings energy to the project. Mateusz Kościukiewicz, known for his charismatic roles, plays Tomek with a mix of charm and arrogance, while Zofia Domalik’s Ola is portrayed as headstrong yet vulnerable. Whether their chemistry saves the film from its own premise is up for debate.

The Verdict: Love It or Leave It?

Kiss, Kiss! is undeniably divisive. It’s a rom-com for viewers who enjoy morally ambiguous leads and chaotic romantic pursuits, but it’s also a film that risks alienating those tired of narratives where persistence trumps consent. Netflix’s decision to platform it speaks to the streaming giant’s appetite for content that sparks conversation—even if that conversation is about whether the movie should exist at all.

For now, Kiss, Kiss! remains a polarizing entry in Poland’s cinematic landscape, a film that’s as likely to elicit eye rolls as it is laughter. Whether that’s a flaw or a feature depends entirely on who’s watching.