An atmospheric and authentic psychological drama written and directed by Stanisław Lenartowicz, a filmmaker who after years of neglect and marginalisation is presently rightly admired as "the master of atmosphere" and one of the greatest individualities of Polish cinema. In "Nafta," he touches on difficult and inconvenient problems such as negative effects of social advancement, discrimination and inability to adapt oneself to a new environment. On the moral level, the film is a bitter tale of love destroyed by immaturity and lack of understanding.
The picturesque, even symbolic scenery of seaside beaches contrasted with nearby oil wells adds to the disturbing atmosphere.
Pomerania. Szymek Surmacz, a poor, uneducated lad, is an outcast of the local village community. It is only after joining a crew of geologists searching for oil in the nearby area that he manages to find his place in the world. He marries Basia, the daughter of a wealthy farmer, who leaves her family home for him, thus exposing herself to her father's wrath. Driven by ambition and at the same time suffering from inferiority complex, Szymek devotes himself fully to his work. He fails to notice that Basia feels increasingly lonely and suffers due to lack of contact with her family. When the woman finds someone who understands her in a handsome worker, Szymek starts suspecting her of cheating on him. He takes out his jealousy and frustration on his wife. Driven to the edge, Basia leaves him. The geological works are coming to an end. Before leaving, Szymek visits Basia's house.
