Netflix’s European slate is getting ready to turn up the volume. A brand new Polish music biopic inspired by the turbulent life of rock legend Jan Borysewicz is officially headed to our screens this fall. We first covered the movie back when Netflix unveiled its massive 2026 Polish content slate, and now we have an official global release date: October 7th, 2026.
Known locally under its Polish title Mniej obcy (which roughly translates to Less of a Stranger), the film will chart the spectacular highs and devastating lows of one of Poland’s most iconic rock bands, Lady Pank. The film is directed and produced by Kristoffer Rus (Too Old for Fairy Tales, The Elements of Sasza – Fire), a Polish-Swedish filmmaker who wanted to dive deep into the cultural impact of Lady Pank. The screenplay was penned by writing duo Wiktor Piątkowski and Joanna Kozlowska, with Paprika Studios handling the production.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Polish drama.
What is the movie about?
Set against the gritty backdrop of late-communist Poland, the film promises a raw and unflinching look at the price of fame. Here is the longer synopsis provided by Netflix ahead of release:
“Music-driven portrait inspired by the life of a legendary Polish rock musician Jan Borysewicz. The film follows a rebellious guitarist whose early fascination with rock music ignites an obsessive drive to create a band that could rival his idols. Fueled by raw talent and uncompromising determination, he rises from modest beginnings to become the leader of a wildly popular rock group, Lady Pank, whose songs are known far beyond the music scene. Success arrives fast and loudly but it comes at a cost. Personal loss, family trauma, excess, and clashes with authority begin to fracture both his private life and the band itself. Pushed by an uncompromising hunger for freedom, the artist must confront the price of rebellion and the fragile line between creative greatness and self-destruction.”
According to extensive local coverage from Polish outlets like Onet and Gazeta Wyborcza, the real-life Jan Borysewicz was heavily involved in ensuring the project remained authentic. The musician noted that he wanted the film to be “real and unembellished,” holding nothing back regarding his successes, mistakes, and the heavy toll a life subordinated to rock ‘n’ roll takes on an artist.
Who is in the cast?
Stepping into the massive shoes of Jan Borysewicz is newcomer Mikołaj Bukrewicz. A 22-year-old actor and real-life guitarist, Bukrewicz reportedly thought it was a joke when he was first offered the role of the Polish rock icon.
He is joined by two veterans of Polish cinema to play his parents:
- Kinga Preis as Matka Janka (Jan’s Mother)
- Ireneusz Czop as Ojciec Janka (Jan’s Father)
Local coverage also confirms that actors Hubert Miłkowski, Krzysztof Oleksyn, Mikołaj Matczak, and Marcel Barra will round out the rest of the band members of Lady Pank.
Are you looking forward to checking out Less of a Stranger (Mniej obcy) when it drops on Netflix this October? Let us know in the comments below!