Good effects and dark cinematography, but good luck following along with what's going on in this supernatural series. The main storyline was fairly easy to piece together, but a lot of weird tangents and jarring scene flashes. Acting was meh.
68 Reviews
Demons & Spirits Of Light
Pairic20 March 2022
Cracow Monsters: Alex/Aitwar drinks to deal with past traumas. She is accepted as a student by the pathology department of a medical school. But her professor and some of his students fight demons and monsters. A demon comes from the other side and controls people to attack Alex but she also has powers from her otherworldly contacts. . A dark series involving rituals to ward off demons and to cleanse adepts after contact with them. A clash of the righteous and malevolent entities results in a proxy war with the professor and his acolytes following spirits of light. But it's a bit more complicated than that that with many monsters (including water demons) being summoned up. Best perhaps is Winter Spas, a bit like Krampus on speed. In some ways the series is similar to Feria with Pantheons of Good and Evil deities, underground temples and gateways. Cracow Monsters though is based on Slavic mythology rather than Gnosticism. Another mystery to be explored is Ales's past, from literally the opening moments of episode 1 Alex has nightmares about her mother's death. It doesn't quite live up to the promise of it's opening episodes but is a worthy addition to the TV Folk Horror Canon. Directed by Kasia Adamik and Olga Chajdas, Written by Gaja Grzegorzewska, Magdalena Lankosz and Anna Sienska. Eight episodes on Netflix. 7/10.
A lot of intriguing material but....
kami_schneider19 March 2022
You really have to pay attention to this movie (obviously if your are reading the subtitles), there is a lot going on within the plot, a lot of material, just a plethora of information that is tied in quite well the plot but needs more description. I found myself looking up half the stuff they were talking about. Great filming location, emotions are really felt by the viewer, scores are decent but could be a bit better, CGI did a good though! Maybe a second season could provide more info on the Slavic demons and everything else!
Good idea...bad everything else
Otte123 March 2022
Another example of a good idea with bad execution. You know you are heading down a bad road when in the first episode a quick two minute conversation(that every single person would have) is avoided for no reason except to manufacture drama. Instead of writing a good plot the writers use recurring dumb decisions to move the plot forward.
Let me go out alone at night after I already seen things that can kill me and have already tried..check
Let's talk in code giving one word answers instead of explaining what is going on...check
Most of the actors have the same facial expressions regardless of the situation...check
High security places having little or no security...check
Main protagonist act like a petulant 12-year old for the entire run-time...check
Director and writers did not try.
Let me go out alone at night after I already seen things that can kill me and have already tried..check
Let's talk in code giving one word answers instead of explaining what is going on...check
Most of the actors have the same facial expressions regardless of the situation...check
High security places having little or no security...check
Main protagonist act like a petulant 12-year old for the entire run-time...check
Director and writers did not try.
Cracow Monsters
Tweekums4 April 2022
This supernatural Polish series is centred on Aleksandra 'Alex' Walas, a medical student studying in the city of Cracow. She applies to join a course run by Professor Jan Zawadzki and when she is accepted she learns that his group are more than just students. They live together and with the professor's guidance work to stop various creatures from Slavic mythology from harming the city. The greatest threat comes from an evil deity in the form of a young recently deceased boy. He is guiding other, lesser demons, in his plot to control the city. Alex and her new friends will face many dangers and she will have to examine her past before the story is over.
I rather enjoyed this series. At only eight episodes it doesn't outstay its welcome, nor does it feel rushed. In some ways the story brought to mind that it could be a dark, deliberately humourless series of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'; at least where the 'big bad' and his minions were concerned. The city of Cracow provides a good backdrop and the way the series is shot creates a fine atmosphere. I really liked how it used local mythology, although not being familiar with it I can't say how much the mythology was modified to fit the story. The central characters are interesting, and the cast does a solid job. The effects are also pretty good. Overall a solid series that I'd recommend to fans of supernatural drama.
These comments are based on watching the series in Polish with English subtitles.
I rather enjoyed this series. At only eight episodes it doesn't outstay its welcome, nor does it feel rushed. In some ways the story brought to mind that it could be a dark, deliberately humourless series of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'; at least where the 'big bad' and his minions were concerned. The city of Cracow provides a good backdrop and the way the series is shot creates a fine atmosphere. I really liked how it used local mythology, although not being familiar with it I can't say how much the mythology was modified to fit the story. The central characters are interesting, and the cast does a solid job. The effects are also pretty good. Overall a solid series that I'd recommend to fans of supernatural drama.
These comments are based on watching the series in Polish with English subtitles.
Grew on me
adaptor25 March 2022
There are some awkward plot points that feel shoe-horned in or like something significant was cut but, overall, this is watchable Andi found I enjoyed it more by episode 5 than I had in episode 1.
I like the interweaving of old mythologies into the modern world. I think Invisible City did a better job with that, overall, but this is a pleasant addition.
I like the interweaving of old mythologies into the modern world. I think Invisible City did a better job with that, overall, but this is a pleasant addition.
Underrated
Reh7420 March 2022
This supernatural thriller is underrated. It should be viewed in its original language with subtitles. With most dubbed shows the character's voice, timing and performance is diluted in translation, distracting from the story. Watch it the way it's intended to be seen and it'll be worth your while.
Watchable
dawnsmart-3338418 March 2022
I can't believe the ignorance of some, rating this low for not having any black actors.... REALLY?!! You clearly did not pass anything at school, especially history!
I enjoyed this, a bit slow but jumpy, watchable and the film was altogether ok, not oscar worthy but I would give it a go.. Anything about paranormal activity, gifted people & demons has worthy!
I enjoyed this, a bit slow but jumpy, watchable and the film was altogether ok, not oscar worthy but I would give it a go.. Anything about paranormal activity, gifted people & demons has worthy!
Great show
archangel-1251819 March 2022
I found a liking to this show, I've just completed watching ep 7 with one episode to go and I'm wishing their was more episodes. Don't know why the negative reviews. I'm very critical on detail when it comes to a production of series that interests me but this is a winner in my books. Producer has done a excellent job in creating something within itself.
Don't believe low ratings
Marcin77819 May 2022
Nice polich fantasy show...not perfect
sabngoy19 March 2022
Very entertaining and the Slavic mythology was really interesting. However there's not enough background on some characters...they could have gone a bit more into details. It's worth a 7/10 but I'm rating it more to counter the negative reviews.
Creative and Fresh Take on a Familiar Theme
brandon_veracka24 March 2022
There are so many shows today about a group of young people who are "gifted" who go out and fight evil. By now, it's basically a trope. However, "Cracow Monsters" puts a fresh spin on it by keeping the pace pretty quick, giving us interesting characters, and introducing Americans to Slavic mythology.
The acting, cinematography, and writing are all quite good here. I'd highly recommend this show to anyone who likes this genre. This one's definitely worth your time, and you'll love the actors!
The acting, cinematography, and writing are all quite good here. I'd highly recommend this show to anyone who likes this genre. This one's definitely worth your time, and you'll love the actors!
Good idea, poor execution
pete-kazimierski21 March 2022
As a Polish person. I'm always excited seeing Polish titles on US Netflix. They are mostly just ok. Unfortunately Cracow Monster falls into that category as well. The idea of the show is interesting but the execution is lackluster. It feels like a student erie the script and director didn't know how to use full potential of these (seems like) good actors. I watched it in English and if you're Polish and know English I would recommend watching it English as well. Dubbing is pretty good. I'm from Krakow so nostalgia kicked in. That's why it's 5 btw and not 5. It was nice to see my old city, but if i wasn't from there i'd probably not finish it.
Nice polish mistery/suspense series
andres-dulantot21 March 2022
Definitively this is better than the average user rating says. Cinematography and slavic mithology are the best features of Krakowskie Potwory. Some of the acting (the main characters) is very good and fulfill expectations
The script needs work. I wish they keep the story around the slavic creatures and explore more the mithology. Some of the secondary characters needs to improve their acting skills.
Overall I think is a really good effort and deserves another season.
The script needs work. I wish they keep the story around the slavic creatures and explore more the mithology. Some of the secondary characters needs to improve their acting skills.
Overall I think is a really good effort and deserves another season.
Interresting
sverre-797-35331323 March 2022
I found it a bit interresting at first, then not so much, but the the actress sucked me into it. I really love her performance. I don't speak Polish? At all, I am Norwegian, but I understood her, she took me places with her. Not so much fan of the other members of the cast though, the did their jo good. The Story... well, awesome. Never seen anything like it. All in all. Job well done, if you like a little easters european. I am sure putinhisass will not like to see that this is what his beloved Russia did to eastern europe. We no longer live like this. It's gonna take a thousand years to undo what putinhisass is doing now.
A strange and compelling slow burn that was definitely worth the time
aarontw28 March 2022
Admittedly unaware of Polish mythology, I was hoping to learn a few things and enjoy some creepy storytelling. Ended up burning through the 8 episodes very quickly, and am absolutely hoping there will be a second season. Great cast, well acted. Highly recommend it :)
Great premise. Horrible writing
minux-179-69323621 March 2022
There are demons entering into our world, let's go to a rave and then be surprised and sad when something bad happens. LOL.
Nobody in the show acts like a real person. There is no one in this show that you want to cheer for and care what happens to.
Watch grass grow. It is more watchable, Most people care would care about the grass growing in their yard than the characters in Krakowskie potwory..
Nobody in the show acts like a real person. There is no one in this show that you want to cheer for and care what happens to.
Watch grass grow. It is more watchable, Most people care would care about the grass growing in their yard than the characters in Krakowskie potwory..
Who could possibly care?
d-alston20 March 2022
I've watched four episodes in the hope it would improve somewhat, but I'm fairly sure now that it won't. The problems with this affair include a roster of unlikeable, unengaging characters, none of whom have the slightest chemistry with each other; an overall bleakness on every level which is magnified by a complete absence of humour and a tedious mythology which demands a lot of attention from the viewer while providing nothing of interest to keep that attention fixed on the plot. It's very difficult to care about any of this, or any of the characters within it.
Boring
andymhancock1 July 2022
I'm a fan of mythical fantasy and demons, etc. But lord, this was slow and boring. It might be interesting if editted down by 40% or so.
Strange that I can't submit just the above review. I am asked to stretch it out. Like the series. Volume versus quality.
Strange that I can't submit just the above review. I am asked to stretch it out. Like the series. Volume versus quality.
Grimy borefest
Valid_ID3 April 2022
As a person who lived on 3 continents, traveled extensively, and speaks multiple languages, I refute the accusation that my low rating is due to the fact that I can't "understand" this Polish series.
Here are the actual reasons for my low rating: There's no suspense in this series, because the story is unfolding so slowly that you forget how it started. The development is choppy, jumping from scene to scene with no segue. The characters are unpleasant, and barely functioning in a grimy environment. Acting is on a high-school play level, with the main character mainly scowling throughout. The dialogue is worse than non-existing. I can't find one single redeeming feature for this series.
N. B. I find it revealing that most of the 9-10 star reviewers have written only 1 review.
Here are the actual reasons for my low rating: There's no suspense in this series, because the story is unfolding so slowly that you forget how it started. The development is choppy, jumping from scene to scene with no segue. The characters are unpleasant, and barely functioning in a grimy environment. Acting is on a high-school play level, with the main character mainly scowling throughout. The dialogue is worse than non-existing. I can't find one single redeeming feature for this series.
N. B. I find it revealing that most of the 9-10 star reviewers have written only 1 review.
Waste of time
mmartic-2193724 March 2022
Stopped watching from episode 4, as it's not getting better, it's just getting worse and worse.
No character development. You are not gonna care about any of them. Stupid forced plots and story development. Dull, gloomy, no witty dialogues. Actors never change their face expressions.
You won't care.
Completely wasted potential.
No character development. You are not gonna care about any of them. Stupid forced plots and story development. Dull, gloomy, no witty dialogues. Actors never change their face expressions.
You won't care.
Completely wasted potential.
Bad just bad.
ACA1319 March 2022
Not only for fans of the Slavic world
saschalorenz28 March 2022
Had to stop part way through eps 3, too drawn out
Xavier_Stone10 April 2022
After the first episode it should really get going into the monsters and demons type stuff but it just stalls. Instead we get a 10yo kid actor trying he very best to be a bad ass. He summons help and it just gets boring fast. Throw in a few scenes of back story and flash backs to draw each eps out and 8 is way way too many for this story.
Most characters are uninterested in each other or their mission. Everyone is clueless or just wandering around waiting for the next thing to happen. I really wanted to like this but when the director starts throwing in long sex scenes that do nothing to advance the story, I'm out.
Most characters are uninterested in each other or their mission. Everyone is clueless or just wandering around waiting for the next thing to happen. I really wanted to like this but when the director starts throwing in long sex scenes that do nothing to advance the story, I'm out.
Not so great
bryant-christenson21 March 2022
Not so great. The storyline is hard to follow as it seems to just take a lot of different pathways. The acting is OK. The sex scenes are pathetic. Overall the entire story could've been told in Hampton Manor episodes. There seems to be a lot of filler. If season two comes out I don't think I'm going to watch it.
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