The Peasants

Set in a Polish village around the turn of the twentieth century, The Peasants centres on Jagna, a young woman whose life is decided for her when she is married off to Maciej Boryna, the wealthiest and much older farmer in the community. Jagna is in love with his son Antek, and the arrangement turns the village against her. Over the changing seasons, marked by farm work and traditional festivities, she becomes the target of gossip, envy and resentment, and struggles to keep control of her own life.

The film is an animated adaptation of Władysław Reymont's novel, rendered in painted, realist and pre-impressionist style. It is the second feature directed by DK Welchman and Hugh Welchman, following Loving Vincent, and the pair also wrote the screenplay. Kamila Urzędowska plays Jagna, with Robert Gulaczyk as Antek, Mirosław Baka as Maciej Boryna, Sonia Mietielica as Hanka Borynowa and Cezary Łukaszewicz as the blacksmith Michał. Around 47 cast members and 106 crew are credited.

Released in October 2023, the film runs 115 minutes and was made for about 7 million US dollars, taking roughly 10 million worldwide. On IMDb it holds 7.6 from about 9,100 votes, and on TMDB 7.5 from 171 votes, both above the critics' rating of 6.4 from 67 reviews.