Agata Trzebuchowska’s debut feature, Sick, is a carefully constructed blend of horror and psychological drama that turns ordinary family tensions into disturbing violations of social norms. The film follows two siblings caring for their frail grandmother, gradually transforming their isolated summer into an unsettling exploration of identity, ageing, innocence and growing up.

The film premiered at Fantastic Fest before its European premiere at Sitges, and draws on Trzebuchowska’s experience as the star of Ida and director of the short film Ties. Its deliberately ambiguous, non-linear narrative relies heavily on atmosphere, with dim lighting, muted colours, claustrophobic locations, long takes and an evocative soundtrack reinforcing the story’s body horror and shifting realities; the review praises its originality, unpredictability and confident filmmaking.