It all begins during a night operation led by the “ateciaki”, an elite police unit. Oskar Gwiazda (played by the excellent Piotr Witkowski) as one of the policemen, instead of protecting his partner, fails at all times. Afterwards, he can’t explain what actually happened. This marks the end of his police career, but the beginning of a whole story.
The series “Go ahead, brother”, promoted as a classic action film and a production for “real men”, may discourage part of the audience who fear that the script will be pretextual and the whole thing will be limited only to shootings and chases. Surprisingly, “Go Ahead, Brother” – unlike many action films and series – is based on a good script. This should not surprise fans of “Klangor”, because the same person is behind both. Kacper Wysocki, already on the set of “Klangor”, had the idea to write something especially for Piotr Witkowski and Konrad Eleryk, whom we watched there. In “Go Ahead, Brother”, the mentioned acting duo has a chance to show the entire range of their skills.
The star above is shining*
The story takes place in Łódź. Oskar Gwiazda loses his job, and in a moment he will struggle with a complicated family situation. Since a career in the police did not work out, the hero decides to work as a security guard in a clothing shopping complex, which is a state within a state. Small and large clothing stands crowded next to each other in a huge space make the outside world seem distant and unreal. Everything revolves around trying on, selling, loading, unloading and paying in cash. And there are gangsters hanging around doing other, seemingly invisible business. Some people buy jeans, others buy entire pallets of various stimulants.
The star (it’s impossible not to get the impression that the hero’s name is an ironic jab in the nose) learns how to function in a new place, and at the same time discovers a chance to earn a lot of money, which he really needs “yesterday”. And here a sensational plot thread appears, cleverly combining the hero’s professional skills with the customs observed at the stalls. Oskar is desperate and determined to finally get straight. Professional and private problems make him feel completely useless at some point and question his agency. Sometimes he seems like the “hey forward” type, and sometimes he seems to be immersed in powerlessness and helplessness.
For real men
Since “Go Ahead, Brother” is primarily an action movie, there must be male conflicts. In the foreground we see Piotr Witkowski. The actor, playing the role of Oskar, shows that he is good at showing the character’s emotionality, but also his police “skills”. The star runs a lot, shoots and knocks out opponents. We regularly see him with a bruised face.
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We also have a full-blown bromance in the show. The star is friends with Sylwek (played by Konrad Eleryk), his sister’s husband and privately a colleague from AT. Sylwek, unlike Oskar, seems to be a reasonable, predictable and balanced hero. At least up to a point.
Pati in the Netflix series
The duo of Witkowski and Eleryk performs great on screen. The relationship between the characters is well written, not overly testosterone-filled, so we don’t feel like a caricature. It is worth mentioning here that Sylwek’s wife is played by Aleksandra Adamska. Adamska and Eleryk have already played a couple together in two well-known series. Anyone who has watched “Skazana” and “Pati” may be surprised that Marta and Sylwek have a different temperament than Pati and Krystian. An interesting casting decision, but in my opinion unnecessarily drawing attention to Pati. But “Go ahead, brother” is a completely different story.
In the series, the female characters play a supporting role and this is the only major criticism of the new Netflix production. They suffer, complain, cry and have no sense of agency. It would be good to give them a little more opportunity to act. Apart from Marta, played by Adamska, we also watch Oskar’s colleague, Jewa (played by Anastasia Pustovit). In turn, the only policewoman in the ranks turns out to be corrupt and extremely naive.
Speaking of the weaker moments of the series, it is also necessary to mention the character of Rudy, played by Jakub Wesołowski. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. Wesołowski’s role differs from the acting roles of Witkowski, Eleryk, Kowalczyk and Adamczyk.
A solid action movie
“Go Ahead, Brother” is, above all, good acting and script. Speaking of actors, it is worth emphasizing another successful performance by Piotr Adamczyk. In May, we watched him in “Simple Matter” by Canal+, where he played the shady gangster Kazik. This time we see him again as a representative of the underworld, but completely different from Kazik. Eryk Tomczyk is a polite but ruthless loan shark, a gangster, a pimp and everything you can think of. He can be courteous and diplomatic, but his behavior still arouses fear in everyone with whom he comes into contact, even by accident. Tomczyk’s apparent tendency to compromise and negotiate is more disastrous than Kazik’s impulsiveness from “A Simple Matter.” There are a lot of comedic tones in this character, which often relieves the tension.
The new Netflix series is a surprisingly successful actioner that offers more than you might expect. Six episodes create a gangster story set in Polish reality, referring to our everyday life, but also very detached from it (after all, few of us know what the realities of the work of anti-terrorists look like). It is also a bitter story about family relationships, leaving the family home, cutting the umbilical cord and male traumas. When we wrote about “The Reindeer”, we paid attention to men’s suffering in silence (you can read more here), in “Go ahead, brother” this topic also sounds interesting.
For fans of Maciej Pieprzyca’s direction, this is a must-see. A solid piece of action cinema, lightened with humor from time to time.
*Quote from the song “Gwiazda” by Akcent.
The series “Go Ahead, Brother” is available on Netflix from October 30.
Review: Go Ahead, Brother – Netflix’s New Action Drama
Ah, the joys of modern television! If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that a *good* action series brings a certain thrill to the heart. “Go Ahead, Brother” has landed on Netflix quicker than your mate after a pint on Friday night, and it isn’t here to mess about!
Plot Summary
Our hero, Oskar Gwiazda—played by the remarkably talented Piotr Witkowski—drops into a world of chaos after an epic police mishap. And when I say epic, I mean disastrous levels of epic. One minute he’s leading a night operation with the elite “ateciaki,” the next he’s in a clothing shopping complex, trading a badge for a security uniform faster than you can say “what happened to my career?”
Now, if you’re thinking this is just another *explosions and car chases* fest, hold your horses! “Go Ahead, Brother” serves up some well-written drama alongside the usual action schtick. It’s like finding out your favorite burger joint also serves kale smoothies—surprisingly delightful!
A Complex Character
Oskar Guwiazda is not just a man with a gun; he’s a layered character struggling with family life, personal crises, and the overwhelming desire to make a quick buck—sound familiar, lads? The backdrop of Łódź adds a gritty flavour that makes you feel every corner store and shady deal. It’s like *The Office*, but without the photocopier tricks—lots of suits and ties, but much less banter.
Our hero finds his way through the confusing world of shopping mall security, trying on clothes while secretly trying to off-load pallets of illegal goods. You could say he’s got a “professional wardrobe malfunction” going on—he’s torn between righteousness and the sweet smell of easy cash. Haven’t we all been there?
Action Meets Emotion
The series is packed with blistering action, loads of running, shooting, and the occasional bruised face that suggests Oskar’s biggest enemy might actually just be his own poor life choices. But what’s intriguing is the well-constructed emotional depth—a rarity in the action genre.
Speaking of emotions, let’s not forget the “bromance” between Oskar and Sylwek, portrayed by Konrad Eleryk. They could be mistaken for the latest buddy cop duo, but thankfully it doesn’t fall into the testosterone-fueled caricature trap. Imagine if you rolled your eyes so hard at buddy cop clichés that they nearly got stuck—a win for originality!
A Solid Cast
Now, not all characters are as riveting. There’s criticism to be had regarding the female characters—mostly sitting on the sidelines and hoping the men sort out their issues. Come on! It’s like being at a party, and the only music is the one guys keep playing on repeat. Where’s the diversity, the balance? Let the ladies in on the action, or at least let them take the wheel every now and then!
Wrapping It Up
In summary, “Go Ahead, Brother” combines a compelling narrative, skilled acting, and a sprinkle of dark humor to create an engaging action series. The action is grounded, the stakes are real, and let’s be honest, it’s only six episodes—if it flops, you can binge it while pretending you’re “working from home”.
So, gather up your mates, grab some snacks, and see if Oskar can make it through his new role without tripping over his own emotional baggage. If you enjoy a bit of grit with your action, then this should be right up your alley!
Catch “Go Ahead, Brother” on Netflix, available from October 30th!
examples of self-worth
Asional fistfight. Witkowski’s performance shines, combining raw physicality with an emotional depth that keeps viewers engaged. His struggle with self-worth and identity amidst chaos resonates, making him relatable. Oskar oscillates between moments of bravado and periods of introspection, effectively showcasing the complexity of masculinity in contemporary narratives.
On the sidelines, we have the bromance between Oskar and Sylwek, played by Konrad Eleryk. Their dynamic stands out, providing levity amidst the action while avoiding the pitfalls of stereotypical male friendships often seen in the genre. Sylwek is the voice of reason, balancing Oskar’s impulsive nature, and their camaraderie is refreshing, steering clear of hypermasculinity. The interactions between the two feel genuine, allowing the series to explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and the burden of expectations.
While the male characters are given rich layers to explore, the female roles suffer from underdevelopment. Characters like Marta (Aleksandra Adamska) and Jewa (Anastasia Pustovit) are often relegated to emotional support roles or depicted as victims, lacking agency in their own narratives. This aspect could have benefited from deeper exploration, providing equal footing for all characters and enriching the storyline’s complexity.
Jakub Wesołowski’s portrayal of Rudy, another character in the mix, feels slightly out of place, not quite fitting the tone set by the rest of the cast. His character lacks the depth that the main characters possess, and this discrepancy occasionally pulls viewers out of the immersive experience.
On a more positive note, the antagonist, Eryk Tomczyk—brought to life by Piotr Adamczyk—is a standout performance. His mix of charm and menace delivers an exciting counterpoint to Oskar’s journey. Tomczyk embodies the quintessential villain, exuding a polite demeanor that masks ruthless intentions. This contrast adds layers to the conflict and maintains viewer interest through unpredictable interactions.
Ultimately, “Go Ahead, Brother” manages to balance action and emotion, offering a nuanced interpretation of male relationships and personal struggles against a backdrop of crime and chaos. The output is a nuanced narrative that deftly intertwines moments of humor within intense scenes, thanks to the direction of Maciej Pieprzyca.
For those who appreciate action dramas with an emotional core, this series is a worthy addition to your watchlist. It’s available for streaming on Netflix starting October 30 and arrives with enough adrenaline and drama to satisfy fans of the genre.
