The Lure 2017
Directed by
Agnieszka Smoczynska
Made by
Janus Films
Plot Summary
Somewhere in the vibrant 1980s, two enchanting mermaids, Golden and Silver, stumble upon a rock band named Figs n’ Dates while they are unwinding and playing music on a picturesque beach in Poland. Captivated by the music and excitement, the mermaids join the band at their regular nightclub, where they initially perform as strippers and backup singers. Gradually, they evolve into a spectacular act known as The Lure, supported by the band.
However, the dark side of their new life surfaces when Golden commits murder by taking the life of a bar patron after a particularly jolting show. Her insatiable thirst for blood complicates their newfound fame. Meanwhile, Silver develops feelings for the bassist Mietek, yet he views her merely as a fish rather than as a woman. Creating a sense of conflict, Golden encounters Triton, a singing sea creature from a metal band, who reveals a haunting truth: if Silver falls in love and that love is reciprocated by another, she will tragically turn into sea foam. Additionally, if Golden decides to remove her tail, she will lose her precious voice.
As the tension escalates, Golden’s violent actions lead to her and Silver appearing to meet a deadly fate after a confrontation with their bandmates, who roll their bodies in carpets and dispose of them in the river. Miraculously, both mermaids return to the nightclub unharmed, much to the relief of the band, who apologize for their earlier aggression. To win Mietek’s affection, Silver undergoes a risky surgery to exchange her tail for legs, but this comes at a grave cost: she loses her enchanting singing voice.
Desperate for connection, she attempts to seduce Mietek with her new body; however, things take a tragic turn when blood from her surgical scars repulses him. In a heart-wrenching twist, Mietek eventually meets and marries a woman he encounters at a recording studio. During the wedding reception, both sisters are present, where Golden and Triton desperately warn Silver about the dark prophecy: she must consume Mietek before dawn, or risk fading into sea foam. Torn between love and survival, Silver shares a dance with Mietek but cannot bring herself to go through with the monstrous act. Ultimately, she transforms into sea foam in his embrace. Consumed by sorrow and anger, Golden exacts a brutal vengeance, tearing Mietek’s throat out before plunging back into the ocean, leaving the wedding party in utter shock.
Timeline
Mermaids Discover the Band
In the vibrant 1980s, two enchanting mermaids named Golden and Silver find themselves drawn to a rock band called Figs n' Dates, which is playing lively music on a picturesque Polish beach. Their curiosity leads them to the band’s nightclub, where they decide to join in on the festivities.
Joining the Nightclub
Golden and Silver begin their journey in the nightclub as strippers and backup singers, quickly captivating the audience with their beauty and charm. As their performances grow in popularity, the duo evolves into a stunning act known as The Lure, partnered with the band.
Golden's Dark Turn
After a particularly electrifying show, Golden succumbs to her darker instincts and commits murder, taking the life of a bar patron. This shocking action unveils the darker side of their new life, complicating both the sisters’ fame and their desires.
Silver's Unrequited Love
Silver develops a deep infatuation for Mietek, the bassist of Figs n' Dates. However, her feelings are met with indifference, as Mietek perceives her merely as a fish, creating an emotional rift that further complicates the sisters' lives.
Triton's Warning
Golden encounters Triton, a mysterious singing sea creature from a metal band, who shares a dire prophecy. He reveals that if Silver falls in love and receives love in return, she will tragically turn into sea foam, heightening the stakes for both sisters.
Confrontation with Bandmates
As tensions rise between the mermaids and the band, Golden’s violent tendencies lead to a fierce confrontation. In an attempt to silence the sisters, their bandmates roll their bodies in carpets and dispose of them in the river, seemingly sealing their fate.
Miraculous Return
Surprisingly, Golden and Silver emerge alive and unscathed, returning to the nightclub. Their unexpected comeback astonishes the band, who quickly apologize for their earlier aggression, allowing the mermaids to reclaim their spotlight.
Silver's Transformation
In an attempt to win Mietek's affection, Silver undergoes a dangerous surgery to exchange her fish tail for legs. Though this transformation brings her closer to him, it comes at the heavy price of losing her enchanting singing voice.
Failed Seduction
Now with legs, Silver desperately tries to seduce Mietek, but her attempts are thwarted when the sight of blood from her surgical scars horrifies him. This rejection deepens her despair and highlights the sacrifices she made for love.
Mietek's New Love
As time passes, Mietek meets and marries another woman he meets at a recording studio, leaving Silver heartbroken. During the wedding reception, both sisters attend, struggling with their own emotions amidst the celebration.
Urgent Warning
At the wedding, Golden and Triton urgently warn Silver about the dark prophecy that looms over her. They reveal that if she does not consume Mietek before dawn, she will fade into sea foam, adding an element of urgency to her turmoil.
The Dance
In a poignant moment, Silver shares a tender dance with Mietek, filled with unspoken words and emotions. Despite the pressure of the prophecy, she cannot bring herself to commit the monstrous act of consuming him.
Silver's Transformation
In a heartrending climax, Silver transforms into sea foam in Mietek's embrace, fulfilling the tragic prophecy. Her sacrifice marks a poignant end to her love story, leaving behind memories of what could have been.
Golden's Revenge
Devastated by Silver's fate, Golden spirals into a rage and exacts brutal vengeance on Mietek. In a shocking turn, she tears out his throat before plunging back into the ocean, leaving the wedding party in utter disbelief and horror.
Characters
Golden
Golden is a passionate and impulsive mermaid whose thirst for blood symbolizes her darker desires. Her actions throughout the film reveal a complex character who is torn between her heightened emotions and the repercussions of her violent impulses. As the story progresses, her descent into vengeance showcases her struggle with retaining her humanity.
Silver
Silver is a more vulnerable mermaid who embodies the innocence and longing for love. Her willingness to change her form for Mietek highlights her deep emotional investment in love and acceptance. The tragic arc of her character ultimately serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of true connection.
Mietek
Mietek is a bassist who represents the human world’s superficiality and the conflict of desires. Initially intrigued by Silver, he fails to see her true self, leading to devastating consequences. His character adds layers to the story’s exploration of love and betrayal, cementing his role in the tragic fate of the mermaids.
Setting
Time period
1980s
The 1980s was a dynamic decade known for its bold cultural shifts and the rise of music genres such as rock and pop. During this period, themes of rebellion and self-expression flourished, setting the stage for imaginative stories like that of the mermaids integrating into human society while grappling with their true identities.
Location
Poland, Beach, Nightclub
The film takes place in Poland during the vibrant 1980s. The beach serves as a picturesque backdrop where the mermaids first encounter the rock band, creating a lively and enchanting atmosphere. The nightclub becomes the central hub for their performances, pulsating with music and nightlife energy.
Themes
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Love & Sacrifice
The theme of love and sacrifice is prominent in Silver's journey as she struggles between her love for Mietek and the horrific prophecy that threatens her existence. Her decision to undergo a transformation for love ultimately leads to tragic consequences, showcasing the high stakes of love mixed with fantasy. Additionally, Golden's violent actions reveal the darker side of sacrifice when love is entangled with jealousy and rage.
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Fame & Identity
The allure of fame draws the mermaids into a new world, as they balance their identities as creatures of the sea with their desire to be a part of human life. Their rise from strippers to celebrated performers reflects the complexity of fame, and the sacrifices they make highlighting the cost of success in the entertainment industry.
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Tragedy
Tragedy underscores the film's narrative, as the mermaids confront harsh realities of love and existence. Silver's transformation leads to her ultimate demise, while Golden's vengeance spirals into a cycle of violence. These tragic elements emphasize the fragility of happiness and the unforeseen consequences of their choices, leaving a haunting impact.
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