Introduction to “The Next 365 Days” – Part 3 of the Controversial 18+ Series

“The Next 365 Days” is the third and final installment of the Polish erotic romantic drama series, adapted from Blanka Lipińska’s trilogy of novels. The film continues the passionate and tumultuous love story between Laura Biel and Massimo Torricelli, while introducing new developments in a complex love triangle with the appearance of Nacho. Following the viewership success of the first two films on Netflix, Part 3 premiered on August 19, 2022, continuing to draw attention but also sparking significant controversy.

General Information

• Title: The Next 365 Days
• Directors: Barbara Białowąs, Tomasz Mandes
• Main Cast:
  • Anna-Maria Sieklucka as Laura Biel
  • Michele Morrone as Massimo Torricelli
  • Simone Susinna as Nacho
  • Magdalena Lamparska as Olga
  • Otar Saralidze as Domenico
• Genre: Drama, Romance, Erotic
• Duration: 1 hour 52 minutes
• Release Date: August 19, 2022, on Netflix
• Rating: TV-MA (18+)
• IMDb Score: 2.9/10
• Language: English, Polish, Italian (with subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages)

Plot Summary

Part 3 picks up after the events of “365 Days: This Day” (Part 2). Having survived the attack at the end of the second film, Laura (Anna-Maria Sieklucka) returns to her married life with Massimo (Michele Morrone), the powerful Sicilian mafia boss. However, their relationship begins to falter as Laura grapples with doubts about trust and Massimo’s controlling nature. Meanwhile, Nacho (Simone Susinna), a mysterious member of a rival mafia family, enters Laura’s life, stirring new and dangerous emotions.

The film revolves around whether Laura will stay with Massimo or succumb to Nacho’s allure, set against a backdrop of family secrets, gang conflicts, and the series’ signature bold intimate scenes. The open-ended conclusion leaves audiences debating Laura’s final choice.

Highlights

1. Bold Scenes and Stunning Visuals: Like its predecessors, “The Next 365 Days” impresses with meticulously crafted intimate scenes and luxurious European settings, including Italy and Poland. Lavish villas, yachts, and beaches create a visually captivating experience.
2. Captivating Soundtrack: The soundtrack is a standout, with over 25 songs skillfully integrated to enhance the romantic and dramatic atmosphere, earning praise as a fitting complement to the film’s tone.
3. Dramatic Love Triangle: The love story between Laura, Massimo, and Nacho delivers intense moments, appealing to fans of high-stakes romantic drama.
4. Charismatic Cast: The cast, particularly Michele Morrone and Simone Susinna, is lauded for their striking appearances, though their acting receives mixed reviews.

Reviews and Feedback

From Critics

“The Next 365 Days” continues to face criticism similar to the previous films. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 0% positive rating from critics, with negative feedback focusing on:

• Weak Plot: Critics argue the script lacks depth, prioritizing erotic scenes over meaningful character development or a coherent storyline. Variety labeled the film “trash” for its shallow content, while IndieWire criticized it for “disrespecting its audience and actors.”
• Romanticizing Sensitive Themes: The series has been called out for glorifying Stockholm syndrome and controlling behaviors in relationships, despite attempts in Part 3 to portray Laura as more independent.
• Limited Acting: The performances of Anna-Maria Sieklucka and Michele Morrone are often described as emotionally flat and unable to salvage the weak script.

From Audiences

Despite critical backlash, the film achieved massive viewership on Netflix, ranking in the top 10 in multiple countries, including Vietnam. Some opinions from Vietnamese audiences on social media include:

• The film is worth watching for the attractive cast and steamy scenes.
• While the plot isn’t outstanding, it’s entertaining enough for fans of the erotic romance genre.
• Some viewers were disappointed by the ambiguous ending, which left unresolved questions from earlier films.

Comparison with Previous Films

Compared to “365 Days” (Part 1) and “365 Days: This Day” (Part 2), Part 3 shows minor improvements:

• It focuses more on emotional conflicts and the love triangle, rather than solely relying on intimate scenes.
• Laura is portrayed as slightly more proactive in her decisions, though still criticized for lacking depth.
• However, the film fails to escape the same criticisms as its predecessors: a loose script, lack of logic, and heavy reliance on erotic elements.

Who Should Watch It?

“The Next 365 Days” is suitable for:

• Fans of erotic romance films who don’t prioritize intricate plots.
• Followers of the “365 Days” series eager to see Laura and Massimo’s story conclude.
• Viewers who enjoy visually stunning settings and catchy soundtracks.

Note: The film is rated 18+ due to explicit intimate scenes and violence, making it unsuitable for sensitive audiences or those below the recommended age.

Additional Information

• Viewership: Though not widely released in theaters, the “365 Days” series has been a hit on Netflix, with Part 1 topping U.S. charts for 10 days.
• Controversy: The series continues to face criticism for romanticizing sensitive themes like kidnapping and gender-based violence. Organizations like Collectif Soeurcières and singer Duffy have called for Netflix to remove the films due to these issues.
• Future of the Series: There is currently no official confirmation of a fourth film, and “The Next 365 Days” is considered the series’ conclusion.

Conclusion

“The Next 365 Days” is a film for those seeking light entertainment with intense romance and striking visuals. However, if you’re looking for a deep plot or meaningful message, it may fall short. Despite its critical shortcomings, the allure of the cast and bold scenes keeps it a focal point on Netflix.

Stream “The Next 365 Days” on Netflix and share your thoughts! Are you Team Massimo or Team Nacho? Did Laura’s choice surprise you?

Watch the film: Netflix – The Next 365 Days
Official Trailer: The Next 365 Days | Official Trailer | Netflix