The Playground (film)

The Playground, also known by its original title Plac zabaw, is a 2016 Polish drama film directed by Bartosz M. Kowalski. The film sparked significant controversy upon its release due to its graphic and disturbing depiction of violence committed by children against another child.

The narrative follows a group of elementary school children on the last day of the school year. It focuses primarily on the characters of Gabrysia, Czarek, and Szymon. The film is divided into three parts, chronicling the children's activities from morning until evening. The first part focuses on their everyday interactions and petty cruelties. The second part follows Gabrysia as she tries to connect with Czarek. The third part culminates in an extended sequence depicting the children engaging in increasingly violent and ultimately fatal acts against Szymon.

The film's intent was to explore the themes of childhood cruelty, alienation, and the roots of violence. Kowalski has stated that he aimed to portray the detachment and lack of empathy that can be present in children, and to raise uncomfortable questions about the role of societal factors in shaping such behavior.

The Playground received mixed reviews. While some critics praised its unflinching realism and Kowalski's direction, others condemned its explicit violence and perceived exploitation of children. The film generated extensive debate about the ethical boundaries of depicting violence in cinema and the responsibility of filmmakers to avoid gratuitous or exploitative content. It was screened at several international film festivals, including the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the Transilvania International Film Festival, where it further fueled discussion and controversy. Due to the sensitive nature of its subject matter, the film remains highly divisive.