Szamanka

Szamanka

Year: 1996

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: Polish

Director: Andrzej Żuławski

Drama

Michal, an anthropology professor, becomes consumed by two obsessions: a perfectly preserved 3,000‑year‑old shaman mummy recovered from a swamp, and a mysterious young woman he meets at a railway station, whose almost machine‑like presence drives his fixation.

Szamanka (1996) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Szamanka (1996) 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 contemporary Warsaw, the rhythm of university corridors and the muted hum of the city create a backdrop where intellect and instinct constantly collide. Michał, an anthropology professor whose life is built on routine research and lectures, finds his scholarly world suddenly intersecting with the raw mystery of humanity’s distant past. The city’s blend of modernity and lingering history mirrors his own steady existence, setting a tone that is both cerebral and unsettling.

When a team of archaeologists uncovers a remarkably preserved shaman mummy from a swamp—its ancient tattoos and ritual paraphernalia hinting at forgotten rites—the discovery reverberates through Michał’s academic circle. The artifact’s enigmatic presence invites questions about the boundaries between life and death, science and myth, pulling the professor into a contemplation that feels as much personal as it is professional. The laboratory becomes a hushed arena where curiosity is tinged with an almost reverent dread, suggesting that some knowledge may be as intoxicating as it is dangerous.

Amid this scholarly intrigue, a chance encounter at a railway station introduces the Italian, a free‑spirited young woman whose magnetic, almost mechanical confidence unsettles Michał. Their meeting ignites a subtle yet compelling tension, offering a stark contrast to his steady engagement with academia and his relationship with his fiancée, Anna. The atmosphere of the film swirls with a quiet, almost primal energy, as the professor’s fascination with the ancient shaman and his growing fixation on the enigmatic woman weave together, promising a journey where desire, obsession, and the unseen forces of the past begin to blur.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:40

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.

Unlock the Full Story of Szamanka

Don't stop at just watching — explore Szamanka 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 Szamanka is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Szamanka Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Szamanka, 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.

Szamanka Summary

Szamanka Timeline

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

Szamanka Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Szamanka

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Szamanka

More About Szamanka

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Szamanka: 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 Szamanka