ABCCINEMAS

Domalewski’s The Altar Boys is one of the most refreshing and emotionally charged Polish films of recent years - it manages to blend sharp social commentary, genuine warmth, youthful rebellion and surprisingly mature moral questions — all without falling into preachiness or cheap cynicism. A group of teenage altar boys from a typical Polish suburb grow increasingly frustrated with the hypocrisy and indifference in the adult world. Led by the idealistic Filip, they decide to take matters into their own hands. Listening in on confessions, wearing Zorro-style masks, they start punishing “sinners” and helping those in need — a DIY mix of Robin Hood and vigilante justice. What begins as a half-innocent, half-naughty crusade quickly spirals into situations that force the boys to confront very adult questions: Where is the line between good intentions and harm? Can children really “fix” the world of grown-ups? And what happens when your black-and-white moral code meets real-life shades of gray?