Infamy Review: Also known as Infamia, the series stars Zofia Jastrzębska as Gita, Kamil Piotrowski as Tagar, Magdalena Czerwińska as Viola, Sebastian Lach as Marko, Artur Dziurman as Stefan, Josef Feco as Janko, Branko Djuric – Djuro as Josef along with Klaudia Bogusławska, Korenlia Bogusławska, Ewa Ciureja, Otylia Ciureja, and others. Written by Dana Łukasińska and Julita Olszewska, the Polish drama is directed by Anna Maliszewska and Kuba Czekaj.
Infamy has 8 episodes of 45 minutes each. The episodes are dubbed in English and also have English subtitles.
Infamy Review Contains No Spoilers
Infamy/Infamia Review: Plot Summary
Netflix’s Infamy is the story of a 17-year-old Roma/Romani girl, Gita. Gita and her parents used to live separately from their family in Wales as they’d brought “infamy” (shame) to their close ones. However, Gita, her parents Viola and Marko and her younger siblings return to Poland as their family finally welcomes them to live together.
Gita’s happiness of reuniting with her family members doesn’t last long. She finds out that her father owes a lot of debt to a man named Josef. So, as a deal, the man wants Gita to wed his son, Janko. Gita, who’s just trying to get to know her Romani roots, which aren’t as freeing as the lives she has been living, is taken aback by the information. She aspires to become a rapper and also wants to be with someone she loves. In the 8 episodes, we see Gita navigate the battles of her identity, her dreams and freedom.
Netflix Infamy Review: Discussion
Gita is the central character of Infamy on Netflix, but the series also sheds light on some Polish people’s indifferent and cruel attitude towards the Roma community. From using the term “gypsy” as an insult to constantly asking the Romanis to leave the country, the series masterfully depicts the racism faced by the community.
Seeing Gita’s hesitance to accept her identity to embrace it fully is one of the most uplifting moments of the series. We also see the beauty and vibrancy of the Romani culture in Poland, whether it’s the delicious food, love for music or families coming together to enjoy a hearty meal. In a series that deals with dark themes, such colourful moments help cut the tension.
Infamy doesn’t shy away from commenting on the regressive practises and beliefs of the Romanis towards the women. From women not being allowed to wear pants to serving a man because of their gender, the makers have portrayed the sexism that strongly persists even today. Amidst all this, Gita makes every effort to avoid marriage, get an education, find love and become a rapper. But her actions have consequences, some even life-threatening.
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In the second last episode, the Barbie song is played in a powerful scene which will definitely give you goosebumps.
Trigger Warning – Suicide: The screenplay is quite compelling, as you don’t expect what might happen next. Just like the bitter racist words disturb you, there are two scenes where characters self-harm themselves. In both instances, the characters are helpless and hopeless as they lose their grip on every situation. But a little spoiler alert: the ending will leave you smiling despite all the hardships.
Zofia Jastrzębska is the star of Infamy. She is phenomenal as Gita, a fierce, determined, but hurt teenage girl in situations that are not normal for a 17-year-old. Zofia has an amazing range that helps her skillfully deliver the complex emotions her character encounters. Gita is an aspiring rapper, and Zofia hits the right note with the body language and sass of the rapper. The actress looks stunning in every frame.
As Marko and Voila, actors Sebastian Lach and Magdalena Czerwińska greatly support Gita’s story and the series with their stellar act. The rest of the cast also does an incredible job.
Infamy Review: Final Thoughts
Overall, Infamy is a gripping and poignant tale of a teenager embroiled in a convoluted and dark world, fighting to find her own voice. The performances and sincere storytelling will keep you hooked to the screen, with the hope that things work out in Gita’s favour.
The series is now streaming on Netflix.
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