After the success of "„Colors of Evil: Red“", which in 2024 attracted the attention of fans of European crime thrillers, the sequel "„Colors of Evil: Black“" (original title "„Colors of Evil: Black“") arrives with the ambition to expand the dark Polish crime saga. The film is a Polish production directed by Adrian Panek, and debuted on June 10, 2026 on the Netflix movie platform, where it quickly became one of the more talked-about European titles of the season.
The story reunites us with prosecutor Leopold Bilski, who, after the events of the previous film, is transferred to a small town in the Kashubian region. What initially seems like a routine investigation of a missing child gradually turns into a much larger and more disturbing story. As Bilski delves deeper into the case, old secrets, covered-up crimes and painful truths that the local community has preferred to keep buried for years begin to surface. The film skillfully avoids easy twists and turns and builds the mystery gradually, keeping the viewer in constant tension.
In the lead role Jakub Gershal once again demonstrates why he is among the most recognizable Polish actors of his generation. His Leopold Bilski is stubborn, tired of the system, but unable to give up on the search for truth. He is joined by Mariana Zhidek, Andrzej Hira, Beata Shchibakuvna, Robert Gonera and Adam Bobik, who build a compelling gallery of characters, each carrying their own secret and motivation.
The strongest side of "„Colors of Evil: Black“" is the atmosphere. The film is shot in the style typical of contemporary Polish crime productions - gloomy landscapes, cold colors and a constant feeling of unease. The small towns, forests and old buildings do not just serve as a background, but become part of the story itself. The director Adrian Panek uses the environment to reinforce the sense that the past is never completely buried and that every community hides its demons.
Unlike many crime thrillers that rely on fast-paced action, the emphasis here is on investigation, psychological suspense, and the gradual revelation of facts. The pace is relatively slow, but this allows the story to build a more serious emotional weight. It is this approach that has been appreciated by some critics, who define the film as darker and more impactful than its predecessor. Others, however, believe that the script fails to fully realize its potential and that the sequel does not reach the level of "„Colors of Evil: Red“.
Interestingly, audience reactions are also divided. Some audiences praise the complex mystery and tense atmosphere, while others criticize some plot decisions and the behavior of certain characters. However, even more critical opinions admit that the film manages to maintain interest and create a sense of constant uncertainty.
„Colors of Evil: Black“" is not a film that seeks easy sensationalism. It is a heavy, dark and at times painful crime thriller that uses its genre elements to talk about trauma, silence and the consequences of long-hidden crimes. While it probably won't surpass the impact of the first part for all viewers, it solidifies the series' reputation as one of the most interesting European crime titles to appear in recent years.
