The Lure (2015)

About The Lure

"The Lure" is a unique, genre-defying film blending elements of horror, romantic comedy, musical, and fantasy. It tells the darkly comedic story of two mermaid sisters, Silver and Golden, who end up in Warsaw, Poland as strippers at a nightclub. As they integrate themselves into human society, they struggle with their insatiable appetite for human flesh and a tragic love story. The movie is a loose adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen.

Making / Production

"The Lure" was directed by Agnieszka Smoczynska, marking her directorial debut in feature-length films. It is a Polish film and was produced by WFDiF, Rozbieg and Codirector. Released in 2015, the film combines contemporary setting with 1980s aesthetics.

Actors

• Marta Mazurek as Silver: She plays a mermaid who falls in love with a human, delivering a passionate and innocent performance.
• Michalina Olszanska as Golden: Olszanska brilliantly portrays a mermaid with a darker, more predatory nature.
• Kinga Preis as The Band Leader: Preis plays an experienced singer who becomes a mother figure to the mermaids and is crucial to the plot development.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The director took inspiration from her own experiences growing up in a dance club in the '80s.
• Despite its fantastical elements, the film also tackles the serious issue of immigration and assimilation.
• The original title of the film, "Córki dancingu", translates to "Daughters of Dancing".

Awards

"The Lure" won the Special Jury Prize for Unique Vision and Design at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.

Quotes

• "At the bottom of the ocean, you will grow old, waiting for me."
• "Lights flash in the evening, I'm lost on the path."
• "You're frightened of reflections, of people in the frame."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film features a variety of music, from '80s style pop anthems to more somber ballads.
• The soundtrack has been commended for its uniqueness, echoing the eclectic and experimental nature of the film.
• Notable tracks include "I Feel Love" and "The Curse - Mermaid Song".