A Short Film About Killing

A Short Film About Killing

Year: 1988

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: Polish

Director: Krzysztof Kieślowski

CrimeDrama

Jacek climbs into the taxi driven by Waldemar, tells him to drive to a remote location, then brutally strangles him, seemingly without motive.

A Short Film About Killing (1988) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at A Short Film About Killing (1988) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the heart of Warsaw, the city’s streets pulse with a mix of bustling commerce and quiet resignation. Waldemar commands a sturdy, time‑worn taxi, his brusque manner and blunt humor marking each passenger’s brief ride. The cab becomes a moving tableau of the city’s contradictions—its ordinary routines edged with an undercurrent of unease that hints at stories waiting just beyond the windshield.

Into this rhythm drifts Jacek, a nineteen‑year‑old newcomer whose restless wandering carries the scent of the countryside and the weight of something darker. He moves through crowds with a detached curiosity, his actions often skirting the line between mischief and menace. Though outwardly nonchalant, lingering shadows of a personal tragedy linger behind his eyes, suggesting a depth of pain that fuels his unpredictable behavior and hints at a world where innocence is fragile.

Across the same streets, Piotr steps into the legal world fresh from the bar, his idealism bright against the city’s gritty backdrop. He shares quiet moments with his wife in café corners, where the promise of a future seems within reach. Yet his path soon intersects with the lives of the taxi driver and the drifter, drawing him into a moral landscape where duty, empathy, and the stark realities of justice collide. In this atmosphere of simmering tension, each character walks a tightrope between personal conviction and the forces that shape their fates, leaving the audience to wonder just how far the streets of Warsaw will test them.

Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:51

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Bleak critiques of justice like in A Short Film About Killing

Stories that coldly dissect the brutal logic and human cost of legal and social systems.If you were impacted by the harsh examination of capital punishment in 'A Short Film About Killing', explore these movies that similarly dissect flawed legal systems and institutional failures. These films share a serious tone and a heavy emotional weight, often concluding with a starkly pessimistic view of justice.

somberthought-provokinggrimhopelesscriticalproceduralmoral conflict

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread often follow a procedural structure, tracing a character's journey through an uncaring system. The conflict is not between individuals, but between the individual and the institution. The arc is typically one of defeat or destruction for the protagonist, serving to highlight the system's inherent flaws rather than celebrating individual triumph.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared thematic focus on systemic critique, their consistently bleak tone, and their use of a straightforward, often procedural narrative to deliver a powerful, intellectually challenging, and emotionally devastating message about society.

Slow burn moral decay like in A Short Film About Killing

Deliberately paced journeys where characters are consumed by violence and existential despair.For viewers who appreciated the slow, grim build-up and heavy atmosphere of 'A Short Film About Killing', this list features movies with a similar pacing and tone. These are intense, psychologically dense stories where a sense of hopelessness and moral ambiguity grows with each scene.

oppressivegrimslow burnbrutalanxiousmelancholicpsychologicaldread

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a gradual accumulation of grim details and psychological pressure, leading to a violent climax or a bleak conclusion. Character development is centered on their internal conflict or desensitization, rather than external goals. The structure emphasizes atmosphere and mood over complex plotting, making the eventual tragic outcome feel fated.

Why These Movies?

These films share a potent combination of a slow, meditative pace and a dark, oppressive tone. They prioritize mood and psychological depth over action, creating a consistent feeling of unease and building towards emotionally heavy conclusions centered on violence and despair.

Unlock the Full Story of A Short Film About Killing

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Short Film About Killing in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Short Film About Killing is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Short Film About Killing Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Short Film About Killing, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Short Film About Killing Summary

A Short Film About Killing Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Short Film About Killing with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Short Film About Killing Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Short Film About Killing

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape A Short Film About Killing. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Short Film About Killing

More About A Short Film About Killing

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Short Film About Killing: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A Short Film About Killing

Similar Movies to A Short Film About Killing

Discover movies like A Short Film About Killing that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.