Pokusení paní Antonie: A weirdly charming little relic

Is it worth your time?

If you're a fan of old-school European comedies or just want to see how they did things in Prague back in 1934, then yes, Pokusení paní Antonie is a fun enough way to kill an hour. If you need snappy modern editing or a plot that makes logical sense, stay far, far away.

It’s a strange little movie. Antonie Nedošinská carries the whole thing on her shoulders, and honestly, she's the only reason this works. She has this way of looking at a camera that feels like she's letting you in on a joke the rest of the characters are too dense to get. 🎭

The vibe

There's a specific texture to these old films. The way the shadows fall in the interiors feels dusty, like you’re watching through a veil of cigarette smoke and history. The pacing is… well, let's call it leisurely. Sometimes it feels like the director just let the camera roll because he liked the way the curtains moved in the breeze.

There is a scene near the middle where the characters are just chatting in a cafe, and the background noise is so loud it nearly drowns out the dialogue. It feels incredibly real, like I was sitting at the table next to them nursing a lukewarm coffee. It’s those little accidents that make it feel alive.

The weird bits

I couldn't help but think of Playboy of Paris while watching this. Both films share this bizarre obsession with mistaken identity that makes you wonder if everyone in the 1930s was just constantly confusing people for their long-lost cousins. It’s exhausting, but in a funny way.

• Antonie’s expressions when she reads the letter are gold.
• The wardrobe department clearly had a very specific vision for hats.
• Some of the supporting actors seem like they just wandered onto the set from the street.

The movie gets noticeably better once it stops trying to be a romantic drama and just leans into the farce. At one point, a tray of food gets knocked over, and the reaction shot lingers for about ten seconds too long. It’s awkward. It’s hilarious. I loved it.

I wasn't expecting much, but there’s a genuine warmth here. It’s not a film that’s going to change your life or win any awards for deep storytelling. But it’s got a pulse. That’s more than I can say for most of the stuff on streaming these days. 🎥