Why Netflix’s Polish Dramedy "An!ela" (2025) Is Messy

An!ela premiered on Netflix on June 11, 2025, introducing a Polish dramedy centered on a wealthy Warsaw woman whose world falls apart after a very public scandal. Spanning eight episodes, the series follows her uneasy journey from luxury to survival as she tries to rebuild her life and regain custody of her daughter. This article takes a closer look at the plot, cast, streaming info, and unpacks why An!ela, for all its flaws, remains a compelling watch.

About the Series:

When her husband Janek leaves her after a scandal and files for divorce, Aniela (Małgorzata Kożuchowska) loses her wealth, status, and home. To avoid prison, she surrenders custody and exits her past. Stranded in a working-class Warsaw neighborhood, she’s forced to adapt with only her wit. Over eight episodes, she clashes, stumbles, and grows, with each installment exploring her evolving relationship to her ex, her daughter, new friends, and her own sense of self.

Netflix’s Polish Dramedy An!ela (2025): A Hit or Miss?

An!ela is far from perfect. The characters are messy, the story doesn’t always work, and the humor is hit or miss—something even critics like Decider have pointed out. Aniela herself is hard to like in the beginning. She comes off as rude, selfish, and out of touch. But as the show moves forward, there’s something oddly engaging about watching her slowly change. Her journey—from being lost and alone to finding small moments of connection and growth—feels real, even if it’s not always smooth.

The tone of the show jumps around a lot. Some scenes are sharp and funny, while others feel awkward or overly emotional. It doesn’t always fit together well, but the unpredictability keeps you watching. Małgorzata Kożuchowska does a solid job in the lead role. She doesn’t try to make Aniela overly likable, but instead shows her flaws and slow transformation. Gabriela Muskała, playing twin sisters, adds balance to the story and brings some calm to the chaos.

What really makes the show stand out is its setting. There’s Polish hip-hop, working-class neighborhoods, and subtle nods to social issues. These little touches give An!ela a sense of place and identity. It may not be the most polished series, but its rawness and honesty give it something special. If you’re open to a show that’s rough around the edges but full of heart, An!ela is worth checking out.

Cast & Characters of An!ela (2025):

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Małgorzata Kożuchowska (Aniela): a wealthy woman whose life unravels in a single evening after a widely publicized argument with her husband.
Jacek Poniedziałek (Janek): Aniela’s husband whose departure sparks the crisis.
Cezary Pazura: plays Marecki, a family friend and lawyer.
Gabriela Muskała: portrays twin sisters Ewa and Edyta, who guide Aniela as she adjusts to her new life.
Filip Pławiak: appears as a local entrepreneur in the working-class setting.
Renata Dancewicz: steps into the role of Janek’s new partner.
Also featured: Anita Szepelska, Pitry Pitry, Lili Maćkowiak, and Antoni Sztaba.

When and Where to Stream?

An!ela premiered on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 12 AM PT/ET on Netflix and is available globally. The series has one season with eight episodes, all released simultaneously with each episodes roughly 40–50 minutes.