On the Silver Globe

Andrzej Żuławski has officially gone 3/3. On the Silver Globe is unlike anything I’ve ever seen—completely otherworldly. Nothing I say can fully describe or do justice to the film, but I’ll put into words at least a fraction of what I experienced. I finished watching it a day ago, and I simply needed it to wash over me. It’s a film that demands to be experienced and reflected upon. For the most part, I’m speechless. I loved Possession and The Devil, but On the Silver Globe is on another level—so rich, so unique, so uncompromising that it’s hard to even comprehend. Even in its incomplete form—20% of the footage missing, with narration filling in the gaps—the film is a masterpiece. The glimpses of contemporary Poland, rather than distracting, enhance and elevate the film. I found myself blurring my vision, imagining what I couldn’t see, and it created a strange, meditative beauty that really created a beautiful viewing experience. At its core, the film explores religion, society, creation, politics, and humanity itself. It shows how religion is a human construct, born from our need for purpose and meaning. People cling to belief to navigate chaos, yet the same systems that provide structure also divide, warp, and destroy. Non-believers are persecuted, echoing the historical cycles of violence we know all too well. Marek, the “messiah” figure, isn’t immune—he becomes entangled in the structures of belief he inspires, showing how even those meant to lead can be corrupted by ideology. Colonialism is another striking theme. The astronauts seize the planet and slaughter the Szerns, reflecting the brutal patterns of conquest and domination throughout human history. It’s disturbing, but necessary—it reminds the viewer that humanity repeats its worst patterns, no matter where it goes. Even on a new planet, Humans repeat Earth’s worst patterns, from conquest to systemic violence, proving that human flaws aren’t bound to one place or time—they’re intrinsic. The depiction of the future Human society is equally haunting. Tribes, fighters, elders, and actors performing prophecy create a rigid caste system, while naked people crawl across the land. Isolation magnifies paranoia, obsession, and extremism. Marta’s last born questions what societal norms, rituals, and morals should be implemented—highlighting how our society has done just that. Prophecies aren’t divine—they are written by humans—but people still die for them, showing the destructive power of blind faith. The visuals are a fever dream. Surreal, hallucinatory, and often chaotic, the cinematography and set design make the world feel alive in a way that’s almost overwhelming. Zulawski makes you feel the story, physically and emotionally, immersing you in a universe that is both beautiful and terrifying. Even the film’s “flaws”—the missing footage, lost audio, and narration filling in gaps—serve a purpose. They are somewhat intentional and provide purpose and enhance the film (including sending a “fuck you” to the Polish government). If Zulawski truly felt that it takes away from the experience and provides no meaning, I highly doubt he would’ve published it. The performances are extraordinary, the cinematography breathtaking, the sets and costumes meticulous. If this film had been released when intended, it would have redefined science fiction. It would have surpassed Star Wars, Dune, Lord of the Rings, and Star Trek. Ignoring 2001: A Space Odyssey, this genuinely would’ve been the first Science Fiction film to articulate and redefine the genre. This is basically MY *Dune, MY* Star Wars, MY Lord of the Rings, and *MY Star Trek.* On the Silver Globe cannot be fully explained or captured in words. It is intricate, intense, and relentless. Even a single viewing leaves an indelible impression. I’m still sitting with it, still trying to unpack everything it contains, and I suspect it will take months—or years—to truly digest. Watching it reminded me why cinema can still shock, challenge, and transcend. I have tens of thousands of other thoughts, but for my sake, I’ll keep it short (even though this review is really fucking long). This has become one of my all time favourites, and as someone that rarely changes his top 4, it has entered it (peep my top 4).