WELL TALK: Marieta Żukowska - I would like women to believe in themselves

She possesses a calmness and wildness. Subtlety and strength. Marieta Żukowska – one of the most expressive actresses of her generation – returns in the intimate film "The Bow Test," about a woman coming face to face with her past. In an interview with Well.pl, she shares her reflections on adolescence, motherhood, the body, tenderness, peace of mind, the power of women, and fashion, which should bring joy, not insecurities. This interview is full of emotion – and solace.

Marieta Żukowska on her new role in "The Bow Trial"

Paulina Brzozowska, Well.pl: Let's talk about your latest role. "The Bow Test" is a story about a woman grappling with a mystery, but also with her own emotions. What moved you most about this story – as an actress and as a woman?

Marieta Żukowska: You know what, I was moved by many things. First and foremost – the mystery. And the incredible scenery of the Greek island of Thasos, where we shot the film. This island... it's not an ordinary place.

Thasos is the island of Dionysus. And Dionysus is a god who embodies both good and evil, capable of stirring people to passion, to desire. At a certain point in history, people summoned him into being, especially when everything was starting to boil over within them. These Dionysias—crazy rituals—were a way for society to release emotions.

We also decided to shoot there right after the pandemic. It was a moment when we all felt the need for this madness, this exhalation. That's why we went to Thasos in February – that's when the Wild Dionysia takes place. And that energy was truly present there.

What about Marta, your heroine?

Marta is frozen. For ten years, she hasn't felt joy, happiness, or pain. She punishes herself intensely, but I don't want to reveal why—you have to watch the film. I found it incredibly interesting that the film's Greek "breath"—the archetypes we explore—are deeply embedded in us. And even though we try to free ourselves from them, perhaps it's better to simply understand and accept them.

Marta refuses to accept certain things from her past—the trauma of her childhood, the disappearance of her father, and later, the disappearance of her husband. And when, after a decade, she returns to the island, a place she once left without him, she confronts the most difficult emotions.

It's a bit like shock therapy. There are therapies that last for years, and others—like Hellinger's configurations—that are very intense. And then there are crash therapies: you confront your greatest fear, as in arachnophobia. And that's exactly how this island works. It shocks her, triggers traumas, but—paradoxically—it also begins to heal them.

So for Marta this place is both traumatic and healing?

Yes. The island becomes her most difficult trigger—as in psychology—that unleashes everything hidden. Marta once went there on vacation and returned without her husband, but with a huge emotional burden. Ten years later, when her son is growing up and reality is knocking harder and harder on her door, she can no longer deny it.

This island acts as a catalyst. On the one hand, it evokes the most difficult emotions within her, and on the other, it leads to catharsis. Asos is beautiful. It has an overwhelming nature. There's the so-called "Aphrodite's Tear"—a natural rock formation in the sea where women would come to cry, cleanse themselves, and open themselves to love. There's a scene in the film where we dance there with a Greek woman—it's a subliminal message. We believe cinema works on this level.

This symbolism seems very powerful. Do you have a place in your life like Marta Tasos's—something that helps you come back to yourself?

Yes, I have places like that. When I get lost, I go to the mountains. I'm a highlander, I come from the mountains. Or I escape to complete nature – to the wilderness. I know that Warsaw or Rome give incredible energy, but they also stifle true intuition. They give so much, but they also take so much away.

I have a house in Tuscany, in a completely wild place. There, I return to my roots. I'm already excited at the thought of how much energy it will give me. In winter, I often go to the Tatra Mountains – not to ski, but to hike. It's my way of returning to myself. In such moments, I find strength, reevaluate things, and start all over again. Just like in life.

Marieta Żukowska on femininity and maturity

You once mentioned that as a woman ages, she should begin to reorganize her life—to reevaluate it. How do you perceive mature femininity today and this process of coming into her own?

That's an interesting question. You know, I've moved away from the word "should." I think it all just comes naturally. Life, our hearts—they offer us solutions at the right moment.

On the one hand, maturing means wrinkles and an aging body, but on the other, it's a lesson. There's always a trade-off in life. Every difficult role that takes an emotional toll on me also brings a tremendous amount of empathy and understanding of myself and others. It's not a loss—quite the opposite. I believe maturity brings joy. My life in my forties is much calmer and more fulfilling than it was when I was younger. That time was more difficult.

I recently had a birthday. My daughters made me a cake—exactly how I like it. The gifts were from the heart. And that's enough for me. My expectations have changed. I no longer have to prove anything to anyone—whether I have the perfect house, car, or handbag. I'm happy when I have something nice, but it's no longer my top priority.

Today are you doing it more for yourself than for others?

Yes. And it's a beautiful feeling—such relief. I've earned the right to no longer have to fight for everything. Of course—I still fight for new roles and projects. Now I'm also starting a business with my sister because I love creating. When you combine different activities—theater, TV series, fashion—you no longer have to subordinate everything to one field. You create without pressure, with joy.

Our new project is a Concept Store. We want to offer women beautiful, valuable things—not just pretty, but also authentic. Without pomposity or sniffiness. I believe that femininity lies in this lightness and spontaneity, like a cheese and tomato platter at a shared table. It frees us from the pressure of a perfect, regimented life.

Sounds very close to the slow life philosophy.

Because it makes sense. Money doesn't define who you are. Warren Buffett drives an old Volvo and doesn't have to prove it to anyone. The most beautiful thing is when you can use your experience and resources to help others. Helping has the highest emotional vibration—it truly heals.

The word "tenderness" comes up often in your interviews. How did you learn to be tender with yourself?

It was a long road. I was very demanding of myself – as a girl, as a violinist, and later as a film student. I sought perfection. I was strict. Only with time did I understand that it wasn't about being perfect.

I remember a conversation with a psychologist when I was 25 and preparing for my role in "The Unmoved Mover." She told me, "You can only do what you do best. The rest is not up to you." And that was a turning point. I started being my own friend. I stopped punishing myself, I started rewarding myself.

Do you have daily rituals that help you return to this tenderness?

Yes, a few very simple ones. I have friends who are like psychotherapy to me—our conversations, jokes, and time together are priceless. I also value family time—spending holidays together, eating meals, going to the movies, talking about movies. Such simple, beautiful things build bonds.

Every day I try to be grateful – for the little things, for what I've accomplished. In the evening, I thank myself, even for the little things. And if something doesn't work out – I have another day, another chance. I also practice transcendental meditation. It helps me calm my emotions and manage stress. My emotions used to be wild, but now I'm learning to tell myself, "Easy. In a moment."

This requires maturity and work on yourself.

Yes, but it's worth it. In the midst of strong emotions, it's easy to do something we later regret. And peace gives us perspective. At the same time, I believe we need to live passionately—to have the courage to fulfill our dreams. Life is meant to be savored with the most beautiful colors.

Marieta Żukowska on fashion and style

And fashion? It's your second passion. What does it mean to you today?

For me, fashion is a form of expression. Aesthetic, joyful, creative. I love it—but not as a race, not as an obligation. Rather, it's an opportunity to express something about myself, about my mood. And that's exactly what our Concept Store, which I'm opening soon with my sister, aims to be: a place of beauty and authenticity, where women can find something that makes them happy—without pressure, without being stuck up. Simply—something that suits them.

What does your style say about you today?

Today, I'd tell myself that my style doesn't blindly follow trends. For me, fashion is more than just seasonal trends—it's an expression of common sense, a conscious choice. I choose high-quality items, often from Polish brands. These are reasonably priced items that give me pleasure. I'm not afraid to wear the same dress several times. Style is something personal, something that gives you confidence. When you're confident, you're less afraid of being judged.

I look for quality, originality, and timeless pieces. Fashion is my weakness, I admit—it can lift my spirits. I buy trinkets; I'm not crazy about it, but I like to treat myself to a beautiful piece of clothing, a lamp, a painting. It doesn't have to be expensive. Just something that makes me smile is enough.

Do you have something that will always be part of your fashion identity?

Yes. I have a huge weakness for accessories. I can spend more on accessories than on clothes. I have my mother's vintage handbags—beautiful, timeless, and full of emotion. I wear them on important occasions because they give me strength. Then I feel that my mother, who always believed in me, is with me. It's incredibly symbolic.

Besides that, jewelry. I always wear it. I love creating it. Now my sister and I are launching another collection. Directly, without intermediaries, at our own expense. It will be a concept store—pieces we've hand-selected, beautiful, and available at a good price. It's our passion.

I love shoes and handbags. Sometimes I dress simply, and they're the finishing touch. They allow you to wear the same dress multiple times and look completely different.

I want women to believe in themselves and not worry about opinions. They know what works for them, what makes them shine. Style is adventure, joy, and self-confidence.

What do you do in your free time when you're not on stage?

I invent jewelry. I design accessories. It relaxes me. We have a country house that my friends and I are renovating—together, in stages. This house taught me patience. I realized that results don't have to be immediate. There's a hammock that everyone fights over—when I finally lie on it, I start creating new things.

I have a big dream—to open our concept store in November. We want to offer things that women truly enjoy.

I remember once seeing a woman at the airport wearing a ring I designed—modeled after my first theater award. I was so moved. It was magical. Creating brings me immense joy, almost as much as theater. It's the other side of my life.

What gives you the greatest joy in creating?

When I see that something I've made brings someone joy. When women wear my jewelry, they feel beautiful. I believe that the beauty around us builds our inner world. I once saw a TED Talk where the speaker said, "Do anything creative, and your soul will grow." I truly believe in that.

I also believe in the power of stones. I currently wear citrine—it helps me maintain mental clarity and sharpness of thought. Sometimes I choose sapphire—a challenge stone that only works when your intentions are pure. Jewelry has soul for me.

What is your attitude towards the material world?

I believe art has an impact on mental health. Switzerland launched a pilot program in which psychiatrists prescribe museum visits—that art can help with depression and anxiety. It's brilliant.

Today we live in a world where value is often measured in money. But that leads nowhere. It's the simple things, the small joys, that are the key to happiness. It's not worth worrying about what anyone thinks of you. It's your life—focus on yourself, on what's good about you.

If you could meet yourself from 20 years ago, what would you tell young Marita?

I would tell her she's a great girl. That she'll be brave. That she shouldn't build glass ceilings for herself. That she doesn't have to be afraid.

It hurts me how much I underestimated myself as a teenager. And yet, I was valuable even then. This age is a time of transformation, of feeling lost. But it's worth trying, even if something doesn't work out. Trying again. And following your dreams.