Based on true events, Playground is a deeply disturbing thriller that is bound to polarize audiences and critics alike. Having already caused a mass walkout at its San Sebastian debut, it has quickly gained a notorious reputation due to the controversial nature of the film’s grueling climax. Split into six chapters and focusing on the lives of three 12-year-old children, we are able to witness their final day at school where a young girl named Gabrysia attempts to arrange a secret meeting with her schoolgirl crush, Szymek. Little does she know, however, what Szymek is truly capable of and, with his best friend Czarek by his side, we’re able to see how their troubling friendship leads up to an act of unfathomable cruelty.

With the first three chapters centering around each of the individual characters, we’re able to get a slight insight into their upbringings. First up is Gabrysia, who we see getting ready for school. Applying lipstick with childlike curiosity before being awkwardly interrupted by her father, there’s a sense that family life in this middle-class household is a cold and distant affair. Then there’s Szymek, who looks after his wheelchair-bound dad in a low rent apartment. Having taken on the role of carer, he helps his father with everyday tasks such as helping him go to the toilet, preparing breakfast and providing him with his medication. Sharing a joke or two along the way, he then gets ready to leave for school before a sudden outburst of violence tears down any preconception we may have initially formed. Finally, there’s Czarek, who lives in a run-down tower block with his mother. Having to share a bedroom with his crying baby brother, we see a noticeably detached Czarek at constant loggerheads with his mum. Arguing over trivial everyday matters, it’s abundantly clear that he resents his current situation and with nobody to turn to, we see how his anger begins to manifest itself.

The one common thread that connects all these characters together is their mutual disconnect from their parents. Being just one of many possible explanations for their behavior, we see other potential triggers get touched upon such as video games, neglect, the prevalent use of technology and the over-sexualization of children. Unfortunately, however, much like in real life, there is no definitive answer as to what is truly responsible for juvenile violence – which in many ways makes the topic all the more haunting. Directing his first feature film, Bartosz Kowalski has crafted an impeccable bit of cinema which has already gotten the critics talking. With a background which has largely consisted of documentaries, Kowalski has been able to implement those skills into chilling effect. Having used handheld cameras throughout, there’s a raw authenticity to the film which heightens the foreboding atmosphere for the viewer. What we’re then left with is a fly on the wall aesthetic which makes audience members feel like an intrusive spectator.

With strong performances by the entirety of the cast and a script which goes straight for the jugular, there’s a real kick to proceedings thanks to Playground’s 82-minute running time. It’s the last chapter, however, that has caused controversy due to the film’s events taking inspiration from the death of Jamie Bulger. One of the most notorious cases in British history, there are certain moral ethics that have been put into question and with a debate raging on as to whether or not some lines shouldn’t be crossed, one could argue that this is a prime example of fearless filmmaking.

Overall, Playground is a film which should be watched with extreme caution. With scenes of disturbing abuse shown in unwavering detail, the climax will leave even the most seasoned horror fans with a cold chill down their spine. Unflinching in its approach, hard-hitting in its delivery and horrifically executed at the end, this is a film which is bound to cause moral outrage for many years to come.

PLAYGROUND / CERT: 18 / DIRECTOR: BARTOSZ KOWALSKI / SCREENPLAY: BARTOSZ KOWALSKI & STANISLAW WARWAS / STARRING: NICOLAS PRZGODA, MICHALINA SWISTUN, PRZEMYSLAW BALINSKI / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW