Ritesh Sharma
Created by Harlan Coben, who also penned the eponymous novel it’s based on, Netflix’s ‘Just One Look’ (also known as ‘Tylko jedno spojrzenie’) weaves an electrifying tale of suspense, deception, and relentless pursuit. At its heart is Grace, an ordinary woman content in her small yet fulfilling world — until a single photograph shatters her reality. In it, her husband stands alongside a group of unfamiliar faces, an image that sends a chill down her spine. When she confronts him, his evasive response only deepens the mystery. Then, before she can make sense of it, he vanishes without a trace, and her children’s safety is suddenly at risk.
As Grace spirals into a desperate search for the truth, she crosses paths with a tormented detective, haunted by the unsolved death of his daughter — one he believes is somehow connected to her husband’s disappearance. What follows is a relentless game of terror, where every revelation leads to more questions, and danger lurks in every shadow. Against this backdrop of high-stakes suspense, ‘Just One Look’ masterfully uses its locations to mirror its characters’ psychological turmoil — shifting from intimate domestic spaces to eerie, sprawling landscapes that heighten the show’s otherworldly aura. With pulse-pounding action, intricate twists, and an emotional core that keeps you hooked, this is a thriller that refuses to let go.
Just One Look Filming Locations
‘Just One Look,’ being the Polish adaptation of Harlan Coben’s novel, stays true to its roots, embracing authenticity in both setting and atmosphere. The inaugural season was filmed entirely in Warsaw, Poland, capturing the city’s essence to ground the story in a genuine, immersive backdrop. Production commenced in early 2024 and wrapped up smoothly within the same year, ensuring a seamless transition from page to screen.
Warsaw, Poland
‘Just One Look’ is filmed entirely in Warsaw, Poland, reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a key location for high-quality television and film production. This marks the third Polish-language adaptation of a Harlan Coben novel filmed in the country, following ‘The Woods’ and ‘Hold Tight’, both of which were also shot in Warsaw. The city’s distinct and varied architecture—ranging from Soviet-era apartment blocks to modern skyscrapers—provides a visually compelling backdrop for the suspense-driven narrative. The production team strategically utilizes Warsaw’s diverse settings to heighten the tension and atmosphere of the series, ensuring that each location serves a narrative function.
To ground the story in realism, filmmakers carefully selected specific locations that align with the emotional and thematic arcs of the series. Residential neighborhoods were chosen to establish Grace’s domestic life, creating an intimate contrast to the high-stakes events unfolding around her. Meanwhile, more dynamic urban areas, including bustling city streets and shadowy alleys, were used to amplify the mystery and suspense. These locations are not merely chosen for aesthetic purposes but to enhance the storytelling, immersing viewers in an environment that feels both authentic and cinematic. In addition to on-location shoots, controlled studio environments were employed for certain sequences, particularly those requiring intricate camera work, special effects, or heightened security for action-heavy scenes.
Warsaw has established itself as a premier filming destination, attracting both domestic and international productions. Its blend of historical sites, post-war reconstructions, and cutting-edge architecture offers filmmakers a range of visual possibilities. Over the years, the city has hosted major productions such as the Oscar-winning ‘Ida’ and the critically acclaimed ‘Cold War’, both directed by Paweł Pawlikowski. Netflix’s first Polish original series, ‘1983’, and the politically charged thriller ‘The Hater’ further demonstrate Warsaw’s versatility in serving as the backdrop for a variety of genres. The city’s infrastructure, including state-of-the-art film studios and experienced local crews, has also played a significant role in making it a preferred choice for high-profile projects.
Through filming exclusively in Warsaw, ‘Just One Look’ stays true to its Polish setting, aligning with Netflix’s approach to region-specific storytelling. Unlike other international adaptations of Coben’s novels, which have relocated their narratives to different countries such as ‘Gone for Good,’ ‘Fool Me Once,’ ‘Missing You,’ and ‘Just One Look,’ this version preserves its authenticity by utilizing real Polish environments. This choice enhances the show’s sense of place, making Warsaw more than just a filming location but an integral part of the story itself. With its carefully curated settings, the series effectively uses the city’s landscapes to build suspense, reflect character development, and create a distinct visual identity. With ‘Just One Look’, Warsaw once again proves its ability to support high-caliber television productions, further solidifying its role as a central hub for European filmmaking.
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