Polish film The Lure is a movie ripe with intrigue and salaciousness, but it’s a movie with a heart, too.
Two mermaid sisters, music, and a whole ton of gore. What more could you ask for in a fantasy? Perhaps a happy ending? Don’t be so naive. Director Agnieszka Smoczynska weighs in on the music, themes, and challenges when making the film.
The movie centers on the two sisters, so why do you end it the way you do?
Because one sister has to sacrifice for the well-being of the other.
Do you have an ideal audience?
People with open minds who are demanding, and like to be lured by the story and atmosphere in the film.
What is Triton’s particular role in the film?
Triton is the father of the mermaids and the guru of the punk underground. He appears only when the mermaids are successful just to bring them down like when Golden sings at his concert he tells her she still has to work on her singing.
The boy- for all Golden says of him, it seems like he has some semblance of feelings for Silver- would you agree?
Of course he feels something for her and it’s genuine and yet even when she cuts of her tail he cannot bear it.
What would you say to teens who like Silver want to fit in? Or like Golden, who seem hellbent on following their own path come what may?
To girls like Silver I would say: never cut your tail.
To girls like Golden: keep on doing what you’re doing, do things your own way and stick to it
What was the most challenging scene for the actors? For you?
I think the scene when the mermaids fight was very challenging and then the scene when they all sit at home and watch the Police program called 997, the changes in the moods of this scene were very challenging for actors and me as a director.
What’s your favorite song?
“Holy moly” – Czary Mary
This film is mostly in Polish. What, if anything, is lost in translation- cultural or language wise- when you add subtitles?
Well, this script was written like a literary text, like a poetic text with nostalgia and lyricism so in fact translating it was a lot like translating poetry. The poetic imagery certainly translates, from the busy scenery to the changing lighting. The Lure is a must-see for those looking for a way to make their teens grow up fast- or anyone who’s in the mood for beautiful nightmares.
