Tricks is a Polish film that tells the story of a girl named Stefek, who lives with his sister Elka and their single mother in a housing estate. Stefek is an imaginative and curious child who becomes fixated on a superstitious belief that if you see a white horse three times, you will receive a wish. He tries everything to see the white horse, but it seems he cannot make it happen by himself. Meanwhile, Elka has a boyfriend, Jerzy, and Stefek decides that Jerzy could be the one to help him see the horse.
As he tries to get closer to Jerzy, Stefek also starts to meddle in other people's lives, including those of his mother's boss, a professor at a local university, and a woman who runs a small store in their neighborhood.
Throughout the film, Stefek's exploits put him in situations that he must navigate with his own wit and resourcefulness, and he learns important lessons about the complexities of human relationships.
One of the central themes of Tricks is the way in which people's desires and motivations are shaped by their contexts and circumstances. Stefek's fixation on the white horse can be seen as a manifestation of his desire for something magical or transcendent in his life, something that would lift him out of the mundane realities of his daily existence.
At the same time, the film portrays the way in which individuals' aspirations can clash with the social structures and power dynamics that surround them. Through his interactions with the various adults in his life, Stefek comes to understand the complexity of these dynamics, and the film ultimately suggests a kind of hopeful pragmatism that allows for small victories within a larger system of inequities.
One of the standout features of Tricks is its cinematography, which lends a dreamy quality to the film's scenes of everyday life. The use of bright colors, surreal imagery, and poetic framing all contribute to an atmosphere that feels simultaneously grounded and otherworldly.
At the same time, the film's performances are equally noteworthy, particularly that of the young actor who plays Stefek. His performance is both charming and nuanced, and he manages to convey a sense of both innocence and wisdom beyond his years.
Overall, Tricks is a thoughtful and engaging film that explores the complexities of human relationships and the power of imagination. Its blend of realism and whimsy creates a unique and memorable viewing experience, and its themes resonate with viewers long after the credits roll.
Tricks. is a 2014 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes.
