The film premiered at last year’s virtual Cannes Film Festival, where IndieWire’s Eric Kohn praised it as a “taut and emotional character study” and “the most intense look at a social media-obsessed loner since ‘Eighth Grade.’” And if that nod to Bo Burnham’s aching drama in any way prepares you for the honesty and intensity of von Horn’s film, consider yourself lucky, because “Sweat” has plenty of twists and turns to throw its audience’s way.
Per the film’s official synopsis, “Beloved fitness influencer Sylwia (Magdalena Koleśnik, in a star-making role) seemingly has it made: hundreds of thousands of social media followers, endorsement deals, photo spreads in magazines. But as she starts to share more and more online, the rising pressure from concerned sponsors and increasingly obsessive fans forces her to confront her deepest insecurities and the exhaustive demands of her lifestyle.”
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In his review, Kohn wrote, “Swedish director Magnus von Horn’s Polish-language feature finds its character wrestling with the nature of her popularity, until she’s forced to confront the disconnect between her public and personal existence in vivid detail. A dazzling figure who thrives on sharing her beauty with the world, Sylwia has boxed herself into a superficial universe of her own design.”
MUBI will release the film in select theaters on Friday, June 18, with a streaming release to follow on the online MUBI platform on Friday, July 23. Check out the first trailer and newest poster for “Sweat,” available exclusively on IndieWire, below.
As new movies open in theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic, IndieWire will continue to review them whenever possible. We encourage readers to follow the safety precautions provided by CDC and health authorities. Additionally, our coverage will provide alternative viewing options whenever they are available. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.