The Reverse

The film’s central plot takes place in Warsaw in 1952 and the atmosphere of the times is underscored by archival materials used by the authors. Into the history of the 1950’s are woven sequences depicting modern times in which the youngest heroine is living. It is another expose accounting of the Stalinist era, however, this time, the story is told in the style of a dark comedy. The heroines of The Reverse represent three generations of an intelligentsia family. The entire premise of the film rests on these three women: the daughter, mother and grandmother who all play key roles. The central plot, however, is focused on the family and love life vicissitudes of the youngest of the three, Sabina, who is approaching thirty years of age and works for Nowina publishing in the poetry department. The May 1st parade is approaching and the HR director orders that editors of all departments attend in athletic outfits which will have a positive effect on the firm’s image. Sabina is the typical shy and unassuming girl who doesn’t like to accentuate her looks and is no go-getter. She is rather timid and very modest as well. There is no man in her life, a fact most lamented by the grandmother and mother who is at all cost attempting to find an appropriate candidate for a husband for her daughter. None of the suitors, however, meet with the girl’s approval including the allegedly non-drinking and respectable Mr. Joseph, an accountant working in pharmacy management, who on his first visit to the ladies’ home passes out under the table after overindulging in the homemade brandy. Every day of Sabina’s life is a normal routine: work and home. The only departure from this monotony is a desperate attempt at hiding a gold coin from 1881, the possession of which is severely punishable by law. The mother, in keeping with the authorities’ edict, wants to turn in the coin but this time, the usually taciturn and gentle Sabina shows her true nature deciding to keep the family heirloom. Every day and with great care, she hides  the coin in a very special place. One day, a man appears in her life: handsome and charming, like a movie star. When one evening Sabina is walking home alone, she is accosted in the empty street by two drunken louts who grab her purse. And suddenly, out of nowhere, he appears. He defends her bravely knocking one of the robbers to the ground with one punch. He introduces himself as Bronisław Falski and walks her to her door. This chance meeting transforms into a friendship and then a fiery romance. The elegant man with impeccable manners calls  her at work, charms her, courts her, showers her with compliments and flowers until one day he will not be denied anymore. Sabina is head over heels in love with Bronisław, the grandmother and mother are also excited by this relationship. Now they don’t need to fret over little Sabina who has found a suitable man. But could this be? When after a longish absence Bronisław returns and proposes to her she is overjoyed and quickly agrees. Soon, however, the real intentions of the UB (secret police) agent are revealed.