Cernak (2025) by Jakub Kroner

Jakub Kroner, the Slovak director known for his commercially successful and gritty crime dramas, delivers a powerful and unflinching conclusion to the story of notorious Slovak mafia boss Mikuláš Černák with his 2025 film, simply titled Cernak. This highly anticipated thriller, a direct follow-up to Kroner’s 2024 hit Miki, delves into the apex and eventual downfall of Černák’s criminal empire, exposing the intricate and bloody ties between organized crime, politics, and state power in post-communist Slovakia.

Cernak continues the narrative established in Miki, chronicling the ascent of Mikuláš Černák (portrayed by Milan Ondrík), a man who rose from humble beginnings in Telgárt to become the feared head of the Horehron mafia group. The film depicts Černák’s insatiable ambition to dominate the entire Slovak underworld, striving to become the “boss of all bosses.” His brutal journey to the top is, as the synopsis states, “lined with traitors, and mainly dozens of corpses,” showcasing the extreme violence and moral compromises inherent in the criminal world he inhabits.

However, as Černák consolidates power and eyes absolute control, he makes a crucial miscalculation: underestimating the true power wielded by the most formidable “mafia” in Slovakia – the politicians and the secret service. The film explores the perilous and often deadly intersection of organized crime and the highest levels of state authority, where allegiances are fluid and betrayal is a constant threat. Cernak delves into the psychological toll of such a life, depicting Černák not as a cartoonish villain, but as a complex figure grappling with his own brutal code and the relentless forces seeking to undermine him. It promises to be a raw, action-packed, and deeply unsettling dramatization of real-life events that shaped Slovakia’s recent history, offering a harrowing look into the depths of power, ambition, and corruption.

Picking up where Miki left off, Cernak follows Mikuláš Černák as he consolidates his power as the head of the Horehron mafia, aiming to control all of Slovakia’s underworld. However, his violent ascent is jeopardized when he confronts the ultimate power brokers: the country’s politicians and the secret service, leading to a bloody struggle for supremacy and the eventual unraveling of his empire.

Jakub Kroner’s vision for Cernak is to deliver a gritty, realistic, and uncompromising portrayal of the Slovak criminal underworld and its deep connections to the political sphere. Having successfully launched the story with Miki, Kroner aims for a more intense and direct approach in Cernak, focusing on the raw action and the brutal consequences of Černák’s quest for absolute power. He seeks to avoid romanticizing the mafia boss, instead presenting a nuanced picture that explores his human side – his principles, however twisted – alongside the cold brutality required to survive and thrive in such a world. Kroner’s goal is to craft a compelling thriller that is not only entertaining but also historically resonant, shedding light on a dark period of Slovak history and the pervasive influence of crime and corruption at the highest levels. The use of authentic filming locations related to Černák’s activities is a key element in achieving this realism.

• Organized Crime and Power: The central theme, exploring the hierarchy, violence, and ambition within the mafia.

• Corruption and State Power: The dangerous intertwining of criminal organizations with politicians and secret services.

• Betrayal and Loyalty: The constant struggle for trust and the inevitability of betrayal in a world built on shifting allegiances.

• The Price of Ambition: The personal and societal costs of an individual’s relentless pursuit of ultimate power.

• Justice and Accountability: While fictionalized, the film touches on the real-life outcomes of Černák’s reign and the larger questions of justice for the victims.

• Humanity in Darkness: A subtle exploration of the complex motivations and occasional “principles” of a notorious criminal figure.

• Based on a True, Notorious Story: The film’s foundation in the real-life events of Mikuláš Černák’s criminal career ensures intrinsic interest and relevance for Slovak and Czech audiences.

• Milan Ondrík’s Performance: His portrayal of Černák has been highly praised for its strength and nuance, bringing depth to a complex character.

• Director’s Proven Track Record: Jakub Kroner’s success with Miki and other films suggests an ability to connect with audiences and deliver compelling genre cinema.

• Local Box Office Success: The film has already achieved remarkable commercial success in Slovakia, indicating strong audience engagement.

• Gritty Realism and Action: The film’s direct and unflinching approach to its violent subject matter appeals to fans of the crime-thriller genre.

As of May 2025, specific major international awards or nominations have not been widely publicized. However, its significant box office success in Slovakia and Czech Republic marks it as a major domestic achievement.

Early reviews of Cernak following its January 2025 release have been largely positive, particularly from Slovak and Czech critics and audiences.

• General Consensus: The film is praised for being “even rougher than the first part, more straightforward and action-packed.” Critics commend Milan Ondrík’s “great acting performance,” noting that the film “managed to show the human side that does not flatter Černák, but at the same time does not make him a stupid gangster.”

• Authenticity: The use of authentic locations connected to Černák’s activities, and the incorporation of details based on Mikuláš Černák’s own accounts, contribute to its realistic portrayal.

• Relevance: Several reviews highlight the film’s “actuality more than we would like” given the current political situation in Slovakia, underscoring its contemporary relevance.

• Balance: The film is seen as successfully balancing the brutal realities of the underworld with a depiction of Černák’s attempts to adhere to certain principles, while acknowledging the brutal nature of power.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Cernak has been received as a compelling and brutal crime thriller, praised for its raw realism, strong central performance by Milan Ondrík, and its unflinching look at the intersection of organized crime and politics. Its timely themes have resonated strongly with domestic audiences.

Audience reviews in Slovakia and the Czech Republic have been highly positive, contributing to the film’s impressive box office performance. Viewers have found the film engaging and a powerful continuation of the Miki story. Many appreciated its fast pace, action sequences, and the authentic portrayal of a dark period in their country’s history. The film’s ability to depict the complex character of Mikuláš Černák without glorifying his actions has also been noted.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews indicate that Cernak is a successful and impactful film for audiences who enjoy real-life crime dramas and appreciate a challenging, non-romanticized look at the underworld.

Cernak has been a significant box office success in its home territories.

• Release Date: January 30, 2025 (Limited) in Slovakia and Czech Republic.

• Worldwide Gross: Over $4.1 million (as of late April 2025).

• Slovakia: As of April 30, 2025, it had grossed $3,863,246 in Slovakia, making it the highest-grossing film in domestic cinemas for 2025 and surpassing its predecessor Miki.

• Czech Republic: As of March 4, 2025, it had grossed $244,937.

This performance makes it one of the highest-grossing Slovak films since the country’s independence in 1993.

• Director: Jakub Kroner

• Writer: Miro Šifra

• Producers: Zuzana Mistríková, Radovan Gerek, David Blümel

• Executive Producer: Roman Jordan

• Cinematography: Mário Ondriš

• Editing: Michal Kondrla

• Music by: Dávid Kollár

• Production Companies: PubRes (Slovakia), Europeana Production (Slovakia), Regia Civitas Production (Slovakia)

• Production Countries: Slovakia, Czech Republic

• Language: Slovak

• Running Time: 109 minutes (1 hour 49 minutes)

• Based On: Real-life events and the life of Mikuláš Černák.

• Filming Locations: Shot on authentic locations connected to Černák’s activities in Slovakia.

Release Date on Streaming

As of May 2025, Cernak is not yet available for streaming on major platforms. Given its recent theatrical success, a streaming release will likely follow a traditional window.

Cernak had its theatrical premiere on January 30, 2025, with limited releases in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Compelling True Crime Story: For anyone interested in real-life mafia stories, particularly those from lesser-known regions of Eastern Europe.

• Strong Central Performance: Milan Ondrík’s portrayal of Mikuláš Černák is a key highlight, bringing depth and complexity to a notorious figure.

• Gritty and Unflinching: The film doesn’t shy away from the brutality and violence inherent in the world it depicts, offering a raw and realistic experience.

• Insight into Regional History: Provides a dramatic look at a dark chapter in modern Slovak history and the intersection of crime and politics.

• A Local Box Office Phenomenon: Its domestic success indicates a powerful resonance with local audiences.

• If You Enjoy Crime Thrillers: For a suspenseful and action-packed drama about organized crime.

• To See a Story Based on True Events: For those who appreciate dramatizations of real-life figures and historical periods.

• To Discover Slovak Cinema: To experience a successful and popular film from a growing European film industry.

• For a Non-Romanticized View of the Mafia: If you prefer films that show the brutal realities and consequences of a criminal life.

What Movie Trend Film is Following

Cernak firmly aligns with the global trend of “True Crime Dramas” and “Biopics of Notorious Figures,” particularly those that explore the dark underbelly of society and the rise and fall of criminal empires. It also fits within the trend of “Regional Genre Cinema” that achieves significant local success, often by tapping into culturally specific stories with universal appeal.

What Big Social Trend is Following

The film taps into the ongoing societal fascination with “Organized Crime” and its pervasive influence on society. More specifically, in post-communist countries, it reflects a continued reckoning with the period of “Transition and Corruption,” where the lines between legitimate power and criminal enterprise often blurred. The film’s relevance to the “current situation in Slovakia” also suggests it addresses broader concerns about “Political Corruption” and the fragility of democratic institutions.

Jakub Kroner’s Cernak is a powerful and commercially successful culmination of the story of Mikuláš Černák, a notorious figure in Slovak organized crime. With Milan Ondrík’s compelling lead performance and Kroner’s unflinching direction, the film delivers a raw, action-packed, and thought-provoking exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the insidious links between the mafia and the highest levels of state power. While its intensity and violence may not be for all audiences, for those interested in true crime dramas and the dark chapters of European history, Cernak is a significant and impactful cinematic experience. Its domestic box office success underscores its profound resonance with audiences in its home region.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Leverage Local Stories with Universal Themes: Demonstrate how deeply rooted local narratives can resonate broadly, especially when dealing with themes like power, corruption, and ambition.

• Commit to Authenticity: Show how using real locations and historical details can enhance the realism and impact of a dramatization.

• Invest in Strong Lead Performances: Highlight how a central, powerful portrayal can anchor a complex and challenging narrative.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Recognize the Power of Local Hits: Acknowledge that films with strong domestic resonance can be highly successful and culturally significant, even without major international festival premieres initially.

• Support Genre Cinema with Depth: Encourage films that combine commercial genre appeal (like crime thrillers) with a deeper exploration of social and historical themes.

• Facilitate Cross-Border Distribution: Explore opportunities to bring successful regional films to wider international audiences, given their universal appeal and historical relevance.