‘Closure’ Director Michal Marczak Set for Narrative Feature Debut With ‘Perfection,’ About Hipster Millennials in Berlin (EXCLUSIVE)

Michal Marczak, a Polish filmmaker acclaimed for his documentary work, is preparing to make his narrative feature debut with the film adaptation of the novel "Perfection." This project, announced during Rome's MIA market, marks a significant step for Marczak as he shifts from his hybrid documentary style toward scripted storytelling.

"Perfection" is adapted from the novel by Italian author Vincenzo Latronico, which has garnered critical attention and was shortlisted for the 2025 International Booker Prize. The story centers on Anna and Tom, a young expat couple navigating the cultural and social landscape of Berlin during the 2010s. Their experiences reflect a generation of millennials immersed in creative work, social media lifestyles, and the city's vibrant party scene.

Produced through an international collaboration, the film is supported by German producer Roman Paul of Razor Film, British producer Andrea Calderwood of Potboiler Productions, and Italian producer Marta Donzelli of Vivo Film. Donzelli notably secured the rights amid competitive interest, working with literary agent Claire Sabatié-Garat. The novel's wide translation, available in over 40 countries, underscores its global resonance.

Marczak's previous works, including the Sundance-winning documentary "All These Sleepless Nights" and the prize-winning "Closure," emphasize his ability to capture youth culture with visual and emotional depth. His experience filming in Berlin, such as the 2012 documentary "Fuck for Forest," adds an authentic perspective to the setting of "Perfection."

The narrative explores the paradox of a seemingly ideal urban lifestyle contrasted with underlying dissatisfaction. Anna and Tom's lives are portrayed as emblematic of a broader millennial experience—caught between digital idealism and the realities of adult responsibilities. Their efforts at political engagement are depicted as tentative and often symbolic, highlighting the complexities of activism in contemporary urban settings.

The screenplay, written in English, will be crafted by Marczak together with a yet-to-be-named collaborator. While Latronico remains closely involved in discussions and supports the directorial choice, he will not take part in scripting. This adaptation aims to translate the novel’s atmospheric tone into a cinematic narrative featuring dialogue and character interactions.

Producers emphasize a cautious development process, with initial focus on creating a detailed treatment before moving toward full screenplay and market introduction. The project has already attracted considerable interest due to its unique subject matter and Marczak's artistic reputation.

Set against the backdrop of Berlin’s transformative decade, "Perfection" promises to offer a nuanced examination of millennial identity, social media’s impact, and the search for authenticity in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. Marczak’s involvement suggests a film that will blend his documentary sensibility with narrative storytelling, potentially delivering a visually compelling and thematically rich cinematic experience.

Further details on casting, production timelines, and release dates remain limited as the project remains in early stages. However, the collaboration across European producers and the attachment of a Sundance-recognized director position "Perfection" as a film to watch in the evolving landscape of international independent cinema.