Is Totem Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Totem, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Crime landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Wild after leaving prison becomes a goalkeeper in the nightclub. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Crime are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Wild after leaving prison becomes a goalkeeper in the nightclub. His girlfriend - Dagmara, one of the dancers working in it. Ambition tells him to seek a better life, and the young boy wants to break free from the social plight. The model for him is his brother Igor - a gangster at the head of a criminal group in the city. But he does not want the Wild to enter his murky world. Dagmary's pregnancy coincides with the brutal treatment of a girl by a group of clients. Wild learns of a big deal on the illicit drug market. He decides to take revenge on the people who want to hurt his girlfriend and, with the help of Igor, decides to rob the bandits. This gives rise to exciting gang battles and spiral revenge, which no one will be able to control."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Karol Bernacki, the performance in Totem feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Jakub Charon is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 92 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Totem truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Crime, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 3.8/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Totem explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jakub Charon respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Totem is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Karol Bernacki or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Totem is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.