Sexify comedy becomes international Netflix hit with viewers gripped by clever scripts and powerful performances
A new Polish comedy series on Netflix has become an international smash after rocketing up the network’s most-watched charts around the globe.
Created by Agata Koshmieder and Małgorzata Biedrońska, and developed, written and directed by Kalina Alabrudzińska and Piotr Domalewski, the show Sexify centres around three female university students who form an unlikely alliance to overcome a variety of life problems.
Aleksandra Skraba, who plays the lead role of Natalia, an engineer looking for a new project to work on after her professor advised her she needed something more sexy, had only previously appeared in one short film and voiced a character in a video game.
The lead roles have all been taken by actresses who are relative newcomers and while Polish fans may recognize a few of the recurring characters, the show has become a hit for the quality of performances and content, rather than star power.
Aleksandra Skraba, who plays the lead role of Natalia, an engineer looking for a new project to work on after her professor advised her she needed something more sexy, had only previously appeared in one short film and voiced a character in a video game.
Marysia Sobocińska, who has appeared in six movies and was previously in another series, plays Paulina, a scientist in a committed relationship who is torn between her Catholicism and sexual awakening.
Marysia Sobocinska, who has appeared in six movies and was previously in another series, plays Paulina, a scientist in a committed relationship who is torn between her Catholicism and sexual awakening.
Sandra Drzymalska, who plays Monika a spoilt student who was coasting on her father’s name until he decides to cut her off, had the most previous experience having appeared in six movies and acted in three series.
Producer Jan Kwieciński told WPROST: “In the case of ‘Sexify’, we cover topics that have never been discussed in a Polish series before and we wanted people who wouldn’t be associated with dozens of other productions.
“This freshness of the message was also important to us. The combination of undeniable chemistry between the main actresses and some kind of courage on Netflix's part to give us a free hand is something that makes this series very different.”
Sandra Drzymalska, who plays Monika a spoilt student who was coasting on her father’s name until he decides to cut her off, had the most previous experience having appeared in six movies and acted in three series.
The onscreen chemistry between the cast elevates a show that takes a lot from other places beyond the typical tropes, and positions it as a release for a generation, crossing cultural and language barriers.
Those familiar with Poland will see a lot that resonates with them such as the Marie Skłodowska Curie poster and familiar locations, while those who have never been will be introduced to a kaleidoscope of Slavic culture, both the good and the bad.
The show Sexify centres around three female university students who form an unlikely alliance to overcome a variety of life problems.
Co-producer Agata Gerc told WPROST: “In order to strongly embed this story in Polish reality, we needed heroines with a different view of the world.
“Showing three completely different approaches to sexuality and to ourselves, within a certain social structure in which we move, was something that created an interesting starting point for telling these stories.
Producer Jan Kwieciński told WPROST: “In the case of ‘Sexify’, we cover topics that have never been discussed in a Polish series before and we wanted people who wouldn’t be associated with dozens of other productions.”
“Already at the beginning of work on the script, we knew that this was the path we wanted to follow.”
The show is designed to be a starting point for conversations in Poland and beyond. Other shows have led the way for Sexify, demystifying the previously taboo topic of sex and allowing it to be a focal point of the series.
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