Absolute Beginners (TV series)

Absolute Beginners is a Polish teen drama television series starring Martyna Byczkowska and Bartłomiej Deklewa. It was released on Netflix on 25 October 2023.

Premise

Lena and Niko travel to the Polish seaside to make an admissions film for their dream film school. There, they meet a boy who will put their friendship to the test.

Cast

Main

Martyna Byczkowska as Lena Głowacka, an autistic teenager and Niko's best friend
Bartłomiej Deklewa as Niko, Lena's best friend
Jan Sałasiński as Igor Tymczenko, a promising young basketball player from Silesia who is attending a basketball camp on the coast
Paulina Krzyżańska as Malwina, Igor's summer fling and Niko's friend
as Tamara, Lena's mother
Piotr Witkowski as Dawid, Lena's stepfather
Anna Krotoska as Bogusia, Niko's mother
Andrzej Konopka as Paweł, Niko's father
Julian Świeżewski as Marcin, Igor's coach

Recurring

Maciej Kosiacki as Jacek
as "Ryba", Malwina's father
Ewa Ekwa as Wika
Maciej Maleńczuk as the campsite owner
as the club president

Guest

Agnieszka Holland as the chairwoman of the examination committee
Agnieszka Smoczyńska as a member of the examination committee
Xawery Żuławski as a member of the examination committee
as a member of the examination committee
as a member of the examination committee
as a member of the examination committee

Production

The series was shot in Ustka, Sopot, and Hel.

Release

The series' first season was released on Netflix on 25 October 2023.

Reception

Reviewing the series' first episode, Joel Keller of Decider wrote, "With some interesting lead performances, and a plot that goes beyond the standard teen coming-of-age stuff, Absolute Beginners sets up an intriguing story about teens who either aren't sure about what they want or are sure but have trouble expressing it."