Get ready, because the worlds of cinema and music are colliding in a groundbreaking project! Erupcja (2025), a romantic drama directed by rising independent filmmaker Pete Ohs in collaboration with pop superstar Charli XCX and playwright Jeremy O. Harris, brings a fresh breath to the genre.
The film’s title, meaning “eruption” in Polish, serves as both a literal and metaphorical symbol at its core. Set in Warsaw, Poland, the story revolves around Nel (Lena Góra), a florist, and Bethany (Charli XCX), a British tourist visiting with her new boyfriend.
The narrative pivots when news of a volcanic eruption halts all air travel, stranding Bethany in Poland indefinitely. This unexpected event puts intense pressure on the characters’ relationships, forming a love triangle. As Bethany and Nel are forced to spend more time together, the film delves into their pasts and present emotions. The plot centers on their “explosive chemistry,” with romantic tension heightened against a backdrop of global chaos and isolation.
Director Pete Ohs describes his filmmaking process as “spontaneous,” likening it to creating an album and relying on the improvisational talents of his actors. His goal was to capture the authentic chemistry between the leads, creating “an alluring postcard of queer synchronicity.” To preserve this authenticity, the film was shot “covertly” in Warsaw. The script, a collaborative effort between Ohs, lead actors Charli XCX and Lena Góra, and Jeremy O. Harris, results in a film with genuine and powerful dialogue.
Pop Star Charli XCX’s First Major Role!
One of Erupcja’s biggest draws is Charli XCX’s debut in a major dramatic film role, poised to attract a new audience to indie cinema and spark widespread discussion about her performance. The film’s premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) guarantees global attention and critical acclaim.
The film’s release kicks off with its world premiere on September 4, 2025, at TIFF, with wider theatrical or streaming platform announcements expected to follow. Erupcja explores how unexpected events force people to confront their true emotions, resonating with modern anxieties.
With its unconventional story, innovative filmmaking approach, and one of pop culture’s brightest stars, Erupcja offers a bold and fresh take on romantic drama. Watching this film, you’ll experience not just a love story but also the volcanic eruption of fate and emotions!
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