‘Strawman’ Netflix Movie Review - Exploring a One-sided Obsession

“Strawman”, also known as “Figurant”, follows the gripping journey of Bronek Bunday, a secret service officer assigned to monitor Karol Wojtyła, the man who would later become Pope John Paul II. Bronek, a staunch non-believer, is tasked with uncovering any information that might discredit the rising figure within the church. His mission is simple: observe, report, and, if possible, find a flaw in Wojtyła’s character. In this process, he develops a silent relationship with Karol, which Karol doesn’t know.

Despite his deep-seated skepticism towards religion, Bronek’s life takes a profound turn when he meets Marta, a woman who captures his heart. Their love blooms quickly, leading to marriage and soon, the hope of starting a family. But tragedy strikes as Marta suffers a devastating miscarriage, fracturing their once-strong relationship. The grief drives a wedge between them, with Marta beginning to suspect Bronek of infidelity.

Tensions run high as their trust is tested, but they eventually reconcile, realizing that the pain of their loss has clouded their judgment. Renewed in their commitment, they decide to try again for a child, and this time, they succeed in building the family they had always dreamed of.

Meanwhile, Bronek's professional life remains frustrating. He continues his covert mission to find any damaging evidence on Karol Wojtyła, interviewing people from the Pope's inner circle, following his every move. Yet, his efforts seem futile. Wojtyła's reputation remains spotless, raising the question: is there truly nothing scandalous to uncover, or is Bronek missing something deeper, something that cannot be seen with the naked eye?

As Bronek grapples with his conflicting duties as a spy, husband, and soon-to-be father, *Strawman* explores the tension between faith and doubt, love and mistrust, and the pursuit of truth in a world full of moral ambiguity.

One of the most striking features of “Strawman” is its decision to be shot entirely in black and white. Yet, as you watch the film, the absence of color almost goes unnoticed. The monochromatic palette subtly enhances the narrative’s emotional depth, amplifying the film's themes of doubt, loss, and moral ambiguity. The stark contrast between light and shadow mirrors Bronek's internal struggles, creating a visual atmosphere that pulls the viewer into the story without the distraction of color.

The film's standout performance comes from Mateusz Wieclawek, who delivers a masterful portrayal of the awkward and conflicted Bronek Bunday. Wieclawek completely inhabits the role, capturing Bronek's moral turmoil and personal vulnerabilities with remarkable nuance. His ability to communicate Bronek's growing internal conflict—his skepticism about Wojtyła, the crumbling of his personal life, and his desperation to hold it all together—makes his performance unforgettable.

Equally noteworthy is Marianna Zydek, who brings Marta, Bronek's wife, to life with grace and intensity. Zydek portrays Marta's journey from blissful love to heartbreak, suspicion, and ultimately reconciliation with raw emotion. She adds a quiet strength to the role, highlighting Marta’s resilience in the face of tragedy and her determination to mend her fractured marriage. Together, Wieclawek and Zydek create a palpable on-screen chemistry, grounding the film in genuine human connection amidst the larger philosophical and political backdrop. Overall the movie is a great quick watch for the weekend.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times