365 Days

 

365 Days (original title: 365 Dni) is a 2020 Polish erotic romantic drama film directed by Barbara Białowąs and Tomasz Mandes. It is based on the first novel of a trilogy by Blanka Lipińska. The movie gained global attention for its controversial portrayal of romance, consent, and power dynamics, sparking both massive popularity and significant criticism.

Plot Summary :

The story begins in Sicily, where Don Massimo Torricelli, a young and powerful member of a Sicilian Mafia family, witnesses the assassination of his father during a business meeting. This traumatic event leaves a deep impact on Massimo, emotionally and mentally. At the same moment, he catches a glimpse of a mysterious woman from a distance—her image remains etched in his memory.

Meanwhile, in Warsaw, Poland, Laura Biel is a young, successful hotel executive. She is in a seemingly stale and unsatisfying relationship with her boyfriend, Martin. Laura’s life is filled with pressure, both from her career and her personal life, but she tries to maintain control. To rekindle their romance, Laura and Martin go on a vacation to Sicily with a group of friends, including her close friend Olga.

As fate would have it, Laura is kidnapped by Massimo while on this trip. She wakes up in a luxurious mansion and is shocked to learn that her abductor is the very powerful Massimo Torricelli. He tells her that he has been searching for her ever since the day he saw her image five years ago—after his father’s death. Massimo claims that he has been obsessed with her ever since and believes she is the woman meant to be with him.

He makes her a shocking proposition: she must stay with him for 365 days, during which time he will not force himself on her. He will give her the time to fall in love with him. If she does not love him by the end of the year, she will be free to go. Laura, terrified and defiant, initially resists the situation. However, she is also intrigued by the extravagant lifestyle, the power Massimo wields, and her own conflicted emotions.

Over time, Laura begins to soften toward Massimo. Despite the disturbing beginnings of their relationship, a passionate romance ensues. Massimo lavishes her with gifts, takes her on extravagant trips, and tries to win her heart. Their relationship turns intensely physical, filled with erotic tension and graphic intimacy.

However, things are not as simple as they seem. Laura becomes entangled not just emotionally but also in Massimo’s dangerous underworld of mafia politics. Rival gangs threaten both their lives, and Laura struggles with the reality of being involved with someone so dangerous. Meanwhile, her own family and friends are unaware of her circumstances.

As the year progresses, Laura realizes she has fallen in love with Massimo. The two plan a future together, and Massimo proposes. Laura accepts, and they begin preparing for their wedding. However, her happiness is short-lived. In a dramatic cliffhanger ending, Laura is driving back from a wedding dress fitting when her car disappears in a tunnel. Massimo receives news that she may have been targeted by a rival family—and possibly killed.

Themes and Controversy:

365 Days explores themes of obsession, power, captivity, and the blurred lines between love and control. The film was heavily criticized for glamorizing kidnapping and abusive relationships, with many arguing it romanticizes coercion and undermines the concept of consent. Despite (or because of) the controversy, the film was a massive hit on Netflix and sparked two sequels: 365 Days: This Day and The Next 365 Days, continuing the tumultuous romance between Laura and Massimo.

The film remains polarizing—some view it as escapist fantasy, while others see it as deeply problematic. Either way, it became a cultural phenomenon and a lightning rod in debates about modern romance in media.