Polina (2017) Spoiler-Free Summary – What It's About

In the disciplined realm of the Bolshoi Ballet, where precision is sacred and every gesture carries the weight of centuries, a young prodigy rises under the exacting gaze of her mentor, Bojinski. From childhood auditions to the hallowed studios of Moscow, Polina embodies the relentless pursuit of perfection, her body a finely tuned instrument honed for the purest form of classical ballet. The world around her is one of immaculate lines, strict hierarchies, and an unspoken expectation that greatness is achieved through sacrifice and unyielding focus.

Amidst this rigor, a fleeting glimpse of contemporary movement at a festival ignites a quiet rebellion within her. The fluid, unstructured language of modern dance offers a tantalizing contrast to the rigidity of her training, planting the seed of an artistic dilemma. The film’s tone balances the austere beauty of Russian ballet with the vibrant, unpredictable energy of contemporary studios, creating a palette that is both elegant and restless.

Compelled by this burgeoning curiosity, Polina steps beyond familiar borders, drawn to the sun‑lit streets of Aix‑en‑Provence where a modern dance program promises new horizons. Here, the expectations shift: freedom replaces formality, and personal expression becomes the currency of the art. The setting—a juxtaposition of historic French charm and avant‑garde rehearsal spaces—mirrors her inner conflict, as she navigates the tension between disciplined mastery and the desire to move with feeling.

Surrounded by fellow dancers, including a supportive partner, Adrien, and an inspiring choreographer, Liria, she begins to question what it truly means to belong to a craft. The narrative lingers on her internal journey, hinting at a transformative choice that will redefine her relationship to dance, identity, and the very notion of artistic fulfillment.