The search for Krzysztof Dymiński, a young man who disappeared in Warsaw in May 2023, has become the subject of a powerful new documentary, “Bez końca” (Endless), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January. The film, directed by Michał Marczak, offers an intimate and unflinching look at the agonizing uncertainty faced by Krzysztof’s parents, Agnieszka and Daniel Dymiński, as they relentlessly search for answers.
Krzysztof, described as a blond, blue-eyed young man, vanished after leaving home early on the morning of . He had made plans with his family the night before, showing no outward signs of distress. His phone last registered a signal near Gdańsk Bridge in Warsaw at , after which all contact was lost. “We don’t know if he went off that bridge, or if he drowned,” Agnieszka Dymiński told Fakt.pl. “If my son decided to take his own life, we would like to know what happened.”
What sets Marczak’s documentary apart, according to Agnieszka Dymiński, is its refusal to offer easy answers or rely on conventional true-crime tropes. “It’s not a typical film about a disappearance, with interviews and photos from the family album,” she explained. Instead, Marczak focuses on the raw emotional toll on the Dymiński family, documenting Daniel’s tireless search of the Vistula River and the profound sense of loss that permeates their lives. The film doesn’t speculate; it observes, presenting a family grappling with the unimaginable.
The documentary’s impact has already been significant, earning recognition at Sundance. The film’s power lies in its authenticity, feeling less like a constructed narrative and more like a direct window into a family’s pain. “Watching it feels like it’s a fictional film, and nothing was directed,” Agnieszka Dymiński said. “We see incredibly moving. It shows what happens to a family, what emotions torment parents. What life looks like when the doors close and we are left alone.”
For the Dymińskis, the past two and a half years have been a relentless cycle of hope and despair. They continue to pursue every lead, fueled by a desperate need for closure. “It’s different with this strength,” Agnieszka Dymiński admitted. “We have moments when emotions overwhelm us.” Their unwavering determination has kept Krzysztof’s case in the public eye, preventing it from fading into obscurity.
Beyond the personal tragedy, the documentary also highlights a critical gap in support systems for families of missing persons. Agnieszka Dymiński pointed to the lack of systemic assistance, training, psychological support, or legal guidance available to those navigating such a crisis. She described the frustration of receiving official correspondence addressed to Krzysztof, now considered a legal adult, including a notice from the military recruitment center. “Someone should pass on the information that Krzysztof has the status of a missing person, so as not to harass the family with such letters,” she said.
“Bez końca” aims to shed light on the broader experiences of families affected by disappearances, offering a poignant portrayal of their enduring struggle. The Dymińskis hope the film will spark a conversation about the emotional toll of such events and the need for greater awareness and support. “We understood how difficult it is for the loved ones of a missing person to persevere and wait day after day for answers that may never come,” Agnieszka Dymiński explained. “And there was a goal to show this family and its reality.”
However, the film’s message extends beyond simply documenting the pain of loss. Agnieszka Dymiński expressed hope that it will encourage viewers to reflect on their own lives and appreciate the value of connection. “I hope that after watching this film, the viewer will find time for reflection and contemplation on their own life, which, despite problems, is beautiful and valuable,” she said. She also hopes the film will be shown in high schools to raise awareness about disappearances and suicidal behavior among young people, encouraging open communication and seeking help.
The Dymińskis have received an outpouring of support from both loved ones and strangers, but they have also faced criticism for not recognizing the signs of their son’s distress. Agnieszka Dymiński urged against judgment, emphasizing the unknowable nature of such situations. “I appeal to not judge families who face such a situation, because we really don’t know anything about them, to not judge people’s reactions either, because everyone reacts differently,” she said. “I would like our story to have an ending. And the worst-case scenario is that there will be no answer.”
“Bez końca” will have its Polish premiere at the #MillenniumDocsAgainstGravity (MDAG) festival, running from to in seven cities, followed by an online release on mdag.pl from to . The film stands as a testament to the enduring power of hope and the unwavering love of a family determined to find answers, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
