Roman Polański's first feature mixed ostensibly simple ingredients: two men; a woman; a yacht; a vast expanse of water, and a haunting jazz score by the great Krzysztof Komeda. It resulted in not just one of the most psychologically gripping films of its era, but also Poland's first Oscar nominee.

Andrzej and Krystyna pick up a hitch-hiker and invite him to go sailing with them. At first, it seems as if Andrzej is in control. But, as conversation and condescension give way to suspicion, the tension between the two men mounts, until they finally push one another out of their element - like the proverbial knife in the water. With power dynamics constantly in a dangerous state flux, and with Krystyna forced to play the siren in an unlikely triangle of psycho-sexual control, Polanski's début is a true nail-biter.

Book advance tickets (no need to print out, collect at box office)

We're delighted to be screening a selection of these beautifully restored Polish classics from April to June. http://www.cubecinema.com/programme/view/polskiekino/

_{Martin Scorsese presents: Masterpieces of Polish Cinema is currently organised by DI Factory, all DOTS, Propaganda Foundation and The Film Foundation, in cooperation with Tor, Zebra and Kadr film studios, in partnership with the National Audiovisual Institute of Poland, and with the support of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland and the Polish Film Institute.}