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| Where Was Erupcja Filmed? Inside Warsaw’s Cinematic Takeover That’s Got Fans Booking Flights. (Credits: Avenue) |
Erupcja doesn’t waste time pretending to be anywhere else — it is unapologetically Warsaw, and that’s exactly the point. The 2026 indie drama leans hard into real streets, real flats, and real corners of the Polish capital, turning the city into more than just a backdrop. If anything, Warsaw quietly steals scenes from the cast, and viewers have absolutely noticed.
Directed by Pete Ohs, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Charli XCX, Lena Góra, Jeremy O. Harris, and Will Madden, Erupcja was filmed entirely on location across Warsaw, Poland during summer 2024. Production wrapped in August, but not every filming spot was publicly disclosed at the time — a deliberate move to avoid disruptions from overly eager fans turning up mid-shoot.
Fair enough, because nothing ruins an intimate drama faster than a crowd trying to recreate TikTok edits in the background.
The heart of the film sits firmly in Warsaw itself, a city that delivers both grit and beauty without trying too hard. The production made full use of its contrasts — sleek modern buildings standing beside reconstructed historic districts — giving the story a grounded, slightly uneasy tone that mirrors the characters’ emotional chaos.
Streets, tram lines, and everyday apartment blocks weren’t dressed up for the camera; they were used as-is, which is exactly why the film feels so immediate.
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A noticeable chunk of scenes unfolds around Old Town (Stare Miasto), where narrow cobbled streets and colourful facades bring a softer, almost deceptive calm to the narrative.
It’s picturesque, sure, but in Erupcja, even postcard-perfect corners carry tension. Fans have already pointed out how these scenes hit differently once the story starts unravelling — romantic at first glance, slightly suffocating the longer you sit with it.
Then there’s the Vistula riverside, which shows up in several quieter, reflective moments between characters. Wide, open views of the river contrast sharply with the claustrophobic interiors seen elsewhere in the film.
It’s where conversations slow down, truths slip out, and relationships start quietly cracking. Not exactly a holiday advert, but oddly compelling.
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Urban life takes centre stage in sequences shot across central metro stations and transport hubs, where the film leans into movement, noise, and that subtle sense of being stuck despite constantly going somewhere.
It’s here that the story’s themes of displacement land hardest — characters surrounded by motion, yet clearly going nowhere emotionally. Slightly bleak, but intentionally so.
Some additional scenes were filmed in Muranów, a district known for its layered history and residential character. In Erupcja, it becomes the setting for more grounded, day-to-day moments, particularly those tied to Nel’s flower shop, played by Lena Góra.
The area’s quieter streets and lived-in feel give the film a sense of routine — the kind that makes emotional disruptions hit harder when they arrive.
The production is also believed to have captured moments around Praga-Północ, one of Warsaw’s more textured neighbourhoods.
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The district’s raw aesthetic and less polished vibe fit neatly into the film’s tone. If Old Town is the curated version of Warsaw, Praga is what happens when the city stops trying to impress you.
What sets Erupcja apart is how deliberately it avoids studio-heavy production. Instead of building artificial sets, the filmmakers embedded themselves into the city — cafés, parks, flats, and small businesses all make appearances.
It gives the film a documentary-like edge at times, as if you’ve accidentally walked into someone else’s life rather than watching a scripted story unfold.
Online, reactions have been a mix of admiration and mild obsession. Some viewers are already mapping out “Erupcja tours” across Warsaw, convinced they can trace Bethany and Nel’s emotional spiral step by step.
Others are slightly more grounded, pointing out that while the locations are stunning, the film makes them look emotionally exhausting — not exactly the relaxing city break some were expecting. A few fans even joked that Warsaw in Erupcja feels like “a third lead character with trust issues,” which, honestly, isn’t far off.
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There’s also growing appreciation for how Charli XCX expands her creative footprint here. Not just starring, but co-writing and producing, she’s clearly invested in shaping the film’s identity.
Combined with Pete Ohs’ hands-on role as director, cinematographer, and editor, the project feels tightly controlled — in a good way. Nothing looks accidental, even when it’s meant to feel messy.
For those eyeing a trip, several of these filming locations are fully accessible to the public, whether you’re local or visiting from abroad.
Just don’t expect every corner to be labelled “scene from Erupcja” — part of the film’s charm is how seamlessly it blends into everyday life. You might recognise a street or a café, or you might not. That’s kind of the game.
And yes, more locations could still surface. As with many productions, some details remain under wraps, either intentionally or simply because no one thought fans would go full detective mode over a flower shop scene. Yet here we are.
So, would you actually visit Warsaw just to walk through Erupcja’s filming spots — or is this one of those films better experienced from a safe emotional distance?