The Hater (2020) User Reviews

Fake News Nihilism with Shades of Psychosis...

[Xstal · 8/10 · 27 July 2020]

You need a few things to go your way, but if they do, and you have the tools of technology, then any amount of chaos can ensue and who knows what political outcomes might develop, there's certainly a few questionable one's around at the moment.

Refreshingly original, relevant and soon to be copied.

Oscar material

[rum2550 · 8/10 · 30 July 2020]

This is a true masterpiece about several important contemporary issues. It is an amazing story showing how a psychopath could manipulate rise of populism and online trolling to fulfill his own agenda. There is also an element of underlying class conflict. I decided to watch this on Netflix because of many positive reviews on IMDB and I was not disappointed at all. Every aspect of this movie is excellent. Especially the acting skills of the actor playing the main character are a treat to watch. Highly recommended.

The Hater

[marmar-69780 · 8/10 · 17 August 2020]

The Hater is a Polish film that shows and proved how easily some people can control media and used them against them to ruin their lifes,i will start with saying that this film is one of best one that i saw in entire year,of course i mean from new realeses and it suceeded with its powerful ,impactful and true message to many people,acting is also on point and one of best that i saw entire year,characters were only explored on surfuce but it worked for this movie rather well,our lead was also very convincing in his potreyal of a unstable man that does some wrong things but he thinks that is for better purpose and future of Poland,Hater is the best foreign film i saw entire year and i give it a big plus

Couldn't take my eyes off the screen

[artemis84-1 · 8 August 2020]

I watched this Polish thriller today without reading any reviews or having any expectations... and I loved it!

The overall atmosphere is Parasite meets Nightcrawler (but the plot is quite different), with a pretty scary take on how misinformation is spread online and just how much influence social media has on politics. It is also very much about the division between social classes and the desire to belong. Far-right wing politics (very much alive and well in Poland and its neighboring countries) is seen more as a means to an end.

The acting, script and cinematography were brilliant. If you are into anti-hero sagas or just want to watch a good thriller, I recommend this movie.

Likes, hate, love, and death

[danielcereto · 7/10 · 3 February 2021]

First, this movie is pretty gritty and real. It's a drama about society, hate, love and social media. Not your Hollywood blockbuster. Second,I think the story is pretty well developed and acting from most characters is amazing. Last, the settings, music and FX'S are pretty cool too. So, overall a great thriller about social media, hate, love and death. Enjoy

An Anti-Hero, An Eye-opener. A Masterpiece

[lestatbesa · 9/10 · 29 July 2020]

Tomasz is anti-hero you can't mess with. It is a manipulative, thrilling and a complex movie that matches our current environment. Tackles society and politics on how bleak it is. This film indeed a compelling movie from the trailer to the film itself. The team did a smart approach on telling how social media manipulates people. It is convincing but at some point but a tragic one. This movie proves how man can possess power using just a laptop. This is like a modern "Lord of the Flies" story that need more viewing and deserves more audiences. Consider this a masterpiece

I like how the cinematic toning is done. It has same technique and atmosphere as David Fincher's film. The tension matches the music.

Imagine the Godfather meets Parasite but everyone is attractive and Polish. Deliciously twisted.

[yusufpiskin · 7/10 · 30 July 2020]

It scared me. Be prepared to get slightly paranoid afterwards...

I am honestly still unsure what the message of the movie was:

• Was it that these companies exist and we should proceed with caution with all information posted on Facebook?
• Or was it that there are very intelligent sociopaths out there who if you're unfortunate will destroy your life?
• Maybe it simply wanted to demonstrate that if you work hard enough, don't care about values/limits or anyone you'll get everything you wanted?

Regarding the plot: There were some weaknesses in the beginning, I guess. The whole setting and everything seemed weird. However, after finishing the movie I assume it was meant to feel that way for a viewer. I am just pointing this out because one of my friends left, in the beginning while we watched it. It is somewhat sad, because the acting is great, the plotting is nicely played and the plot twists are on point. The only thing that I am irritated by is the last scene with his boss, because I would have expected from her to have bugs in her room which she maybe could activate by tapping somewhere on her table - as her security net. A recording of that conversation would have ruined his show... Oh well, overall a well done critic of our modern society!

How far can a Narcissistic Psychopath go? The answer is - very far.

[ritanaumova · 10/10 · 30 July 2020]

How far can you go in order to be accepted, fit in and at the same time to feel special? A person with no boundaries can go far beyond sanity and take advantage of those who live by certain rules, perceptions and limiting boundaries that are actually build to keep them safe. We think if someone demonstrate a play by our rules and displays same values, than that person is a friend, not an enemy, that could easily put us in grave danger... How willingly we accept an illusion if our Ego is involved. We misjudge people so easily. There is a moment, when someone ask the main character what is he interested in, and he replied - "People". And I found that to be a very significant moment, as no one in entire story was interested in him, his personality. No one really saw him. They only evaluated if he could fit in and be useful. Society claims - individual is a value, in reality, it does not matter who you are, only - what you can do for the sake of the group - family, relatives, company, state and so on and in return - you are accepted to be a part of it. A film creator raises many questions - How long a civilized society will keep dividing people in friends and enemies and create power games, wars and suffering? Where the double standards ends? A manipulator - PR agency director feels entitled to mess with other people lives, creating hatred campaigns, feeling unrelated to other people suffering, death, manipulates with no concern about the ethics and consequences. But when a fellow worker organised slaughter based on same values her company is based - as they use other people suffering to make profits and advantages for themselves - suddenly what he has done is shocking and unacceptable. Is it only shocking because it happened "next door"? If it is society that creates psychopaths, then it should deal with them... And somehow the last scene conveys that message.

Not the film Netflix advertises it as

[valleyjohn · 7/10 · 25 January 2021]

When you see this film described on Netflix you would be excuses for thinking this is a film about right wing extremism .

It isn't .

This a is character study on a young man who has serious issues. He craves attention and recognition from everyone. He's obviously clever but revels in seeing other people suffer at his own hands .

Maciej Musailowski is really good as the deranged Tomasz . You totally buy into his infatuation with Gabi which later turns into disdain.

I've not seen many Polish films and if this is the standard then maybe I should see more .

This is well worth a watch despite it being advertised as a very different type of film .

Masterpiece

[magdalena-biela · 10/10 · 30 June 2020]

JAN KOMASA STRIKES AGAIN!!!! The 38 years old Polish Director of CORPUS CHRISTI returned this Spring with a MASTERPIECE, "THE HATER", a movie which is the creation of a genius. The brilliance of the story, of the actors, very young, as young and talented as their Director, of the camera, of the image, the Poetry of this wonderfully done movie renders us speechless. CONGRATULATIONS, Poland!!!

How rumors and fake news spread via internet

[ks-60500 · 7/10 · 5 August 2020]

Very rare to watch a poland film thanks for Netflix. It echoes on me how the political event happen in Hk and I could say most of the situation is 70% alike. People get fake news and manipulate by reading news and setup trap. Politics is ugly and this one not only shows the fact but also reveal the power of internet spreading rumors. President year in 2020, can feel from this movie how dirty the campaign will be.

9

[Edvis-1997 · 9/10 · 16 August 2020]

Wow. Just wow. I'm just very glad that this movie was served by Poland. That was phenomenal. I ate this plot with pleasure. Everything was so interesting,detailed,precizure. It's so incredible how everything was explained, from loser,stalker to loved one. I really liked that this film ended in bad way. Finally, it's pleasure to see movie that doesn't have nice ending but bad guy wins makes it even better. With doubt that's my favorite movie of 2020. I would recommend everyone to watch it, especially those who loved movies as "Parasite" or "The occupant(Hogar)". This film made my day. Thanks.

Good

[am-by · 7/10 · 10 October 2020]

Very watchable. And the dubbing in english was very good.

Obvious. No drama. Not really interesting.

[AskaP · 5/10 · 15 August 2020]

It's obvious with its story. I was constantly looking for something that will surprise me. It didn't. The motivations of characters are stretched and not really set in their lives. I am guessing the director "knows more" than he shows. And it comes across like he doesn't actually have a better idea for why would they act the way they act. There is no real drama. I don't care about anyone. So the events happening don't move me at all. Also the way the main character moves through life and jumps from one amazing place to another, ace-ing in all of them - how the hell he is not some amazing genius from the beginning? Why he is introduced as some lame old-timer with no brain? Why the family hates him and laughs their asses when he leaves the room? Seriously, he is portrayed as some incel, and then not only we learn that he is social media marketing genius, destroying politicians after 3 months in his first job, but also having sex with his boss. So what happened with the incel? And more like that, I don't want to give too much spoilers away. The changes in the family and how they treat Tomek, constantly switching from laughing to accepting him to removing him from their lives and then again one small event and bam - he is back in. Really? Constant roller coaster and I have no idea why. Are they that awful that shallow? Maybe they are. But then this is why I don't care about a single person there. I am disappointed, I expected much more from this director.

Smart Euro political allegory. It will be familiar to you.

[JohnDeSando · 17 August 2020]

Pawel : You have an interest in politics? Tomasz : No, absolutely not. Pawel : What are you interested in, then? Tomasz: People.

Although the quote might suggest protagonist Tomasz (Maciej Musialowski) as a humanist, like everything else about him in the Polish thriller The Hater he is a misanthrope, more precisely a sociopath. Like politics itself, this plot is heavy with ambivalence and chaos quietly disguised in party operatives dedicated either to liberal goodness or far-right thuggery.

The expansive story, which begins with introverted Tomasz barely emerging from behind his computer screen to Tomasz the operative, manipulating supposedly smart politicos and their supporters, without his allegiance to anyone but himself. As the story of a computer whiz who can spread fake news and turn elections on hate speech, Tomasz's story is more about what makes him run than how he runs.

Through his many improbable successes, including warping the campaign of an admirable mayoral candidate, Pawel Rudnicki (Maciej Stuhr), the camera follows the eerily placid Tomasz as he uses his technical power and odd charisma to shape local politics to his whim, it seems, for his motivations are not always clear. If you care about sophisticated Euro cinema that dwells on character more than plot, The Hater is a fine meal of a story. Although the dubbed English dialogue at times doesn't perfectly fit the translated captions, tie acting is so slick and camera work so smooth, meaning is never lost.

As an allegory about the effect of cyber power on the young, The Hater is a smart commentator. As an allegory about the ability of sociopaths to rule the political arena, it is a chilling reminder of the political realities around us. It's Netflix, and it promises a smart evening in the comfort of your home. Outside that safe haven, not so much.

SOCIALLY RELEVANT

[jeromesgabilo · 7/10 · 4 June 2021]

This thriller could have been better. The editing was a bit confusing, the running time a little bit unnecessarily long, but the performances and cinematography stood out.

Machiavelli would be proud

[pasmahe · 10/10 · 29 January 2022]

"A prince... must learn from the fox and the lion... One must be a fox in order to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten off wolves."

Some people won't like the movie because of certain strong scenes, but, if you think objectively, this is a great movie.

It gives you food for thought and invites you to think about and discuss relevant and modern topics.

Entertaining Polish drama.

[deloudelouvain · 7/10 · 18 July 2023]

Hejter (or The Hater for the English title) is a Polish drama. I can't say I'm very familiar with Polish cinema so I didn't have high expectations for this one. When I saw the high ratings it got the first thing I thought was that there were fake reviews involved (that wouldn't be the first time on here), but the movie turned out to be quite entertaining. Coincidentally the theme of movie is about fake reviews, about internet trolls, about using social media to discredit someone. The main character, a social psychopath, is played by Maciej Musialowski and he was very convincing in his role. So was the rest of the cast. All unknown Polish actors to me, but certainly not bad. The movie is quite long but never boring. Simple but effective cinematography. A good movie to promote Polish cinema.

How did I not hear about this film earlier...

[osvaldonumentor · 9/10 · 7 January 2023]

I can't believe I hadn't heard or seen anything regarding this movie before. Great direction, great cinematography, great script, great performances.

Sometimes, some excellent movies go unnoticed due to being artistic or it just didn't connect with most audiences. But this film does not have those problems. I guess sometimes, unfortunately, it all comes down to luck.

Looking back, this definitely reminds me of peak House of Cards. The morally deplorable protagonist, the manipulation, the gradual descent, the political commentary. The only thing missing are the fourth wall breaks.

It genuinely baffles how some similar inferior films get more attention and praise than this one. A very well hidden gem that will make sure more people hear about.

Great concept but leaves you underwhelming *Mild Spoiler*

[ramo140 · 7/10 · 11 August 2020]

It's the first time I see a movie about people who get paid for putting hate comments online, so that was a fun concept to watch on screen. The main actors performance was incredible as well. As for the negatives, I thought it dragged a fair bit towards the middle, and I did not feel attached to any of the characters in any way.

Socially akward

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 2 December 2020]

Well that is putting it mildly now isn't it? The answer is yes to that rhetorical question. The beginning is laying the foundation or at least tells us with what sort of individual we are dealing with. So it may not be the easiest sell for a main character (having empathy for him, all considering), but at least we know. Something that cannot be said about other characters in this.

And is is easy to be duped. With a mirror scene of the one we see at the beginning the movie gives us an evolution - or devolution I reckon. Not an easy movie to watch and very daring in a lot of regards. But human nature can be wicked. Interesting story no matter if or you agree with what is happening or not ...

Internet scandal

[Quirk47 · 6/10 · 16 August 2020]

How can a man decides his own fate or future. The climax is the best example. Mixed concepts with interconnection ..Polarize people with ur tactics. Defaming a Person Who is in power ,work for an organisation , stalking ur girlfriend, Raise Religious beliefs ..the list goes on. Watch it.

Poignant and timely examination of Hate we Get and Give

[saadgkhan · 8/10 · 29 July 2020]

The Hater - A- (Almost Perfect)

An important movie, which exams Scio/Psychopathic behaviour in youth along with sides effects of social media presence in backdrops of political unrest in the world. This seems a lot to handle in one film, but Jan Komasa masterfully handled these subject matters. The film never felt overburden by the issues it tries to examine.

Maciej Musialowski has given a star making performance as Tomasz. For viewers to understand his motives and even to sympathise due to pressures on youth in today's climate is an astounding feat of its own. The cast across the board is fantastic and as it was released on Netflix in Australia and I went in without knowing anything or watching any promos I was at an absolute awe of the movie.

This should shed light on our own behaviour of Hate we give through commenting and arguing with strangers online, and Hate we Receive for sharing our thoughts on issues important to us. Highly Recommended.

Sociopath Pits Good And Evil

[zac-68274 · 6/10 · 30 July 2020]

Well thought out scenarios with believable characterization. Overall a pleasing movie just needed a bit more suspense to make this movie memorable!

Completely overrated

[Kate-Parks · 2/10 · 18 November 2020]

The usual political woke propaganda nonsense we starting to get used to in Netflix productions. Disappointing to say the least!