Where to Watch Knife in the Water (1962) in the US

What it's about

Well off Andrzej and Krystyna's marriage is at a stage where familiarity breeds contempt, that contempt which is outwardly shown only behind closed doors and only when an incident of some sort sets off one or the other. While driving through the countryside on a Sunday on their way to the lake to embark on an overnight sailing excursion, they almost run over a young male hitchhiker. Despite the antagonism between Andrzej and the hitchhiker, Andrzej offers him a ride as far as the marina. By the time they reach the lake, their antagonism has dissipated enough that Andrzej asks if he would like to join them on their sailing trip. The hitchhiker accepts despite knowing nothing about sailing. As the sailing trip progresses, the antagonism between the two men begins to increase again, fueled on both sides as each strives to be the alpha male. Andrzej needs to show his superiority, while the hitchhiker needs to show that his young age and inexperience, not only with sailing but with life in general, do not make him any less of a man in comparison. Later incidents demonstrate that their relationship may have been different if Krystyna was not in the picture. The hitchhiker's pocket knife, seemingly his most prized possession on his person, becomes a symbol of that power struggle between the two men. If the three emerge from their sailing trip alive, they may be forever changed by their encounter.

Cast and crew

Director

Roman Polanski

Writer

Jakub Goldberg, Roman Polanski, Jerzy Skolimowski

Starring

Leon Niemczyk, Jolanta Umecka, Zygmunt Malanowicz

Details

Release date

Oct 28, 1963

Language

Polish

Country

Poland

Awards

Nominated for 1 Oscar. 1 win & 2 nominations total

Where to Watch Knife in the Water (1962) in the US — common questions

Where to watch Knife in the Water in the United States?

Knife in the Water is available with a subscription, free with a participating library card, or to rent in the United States. Watch the movie with a subscription on HBO Max (HD) and The Criterion Channel (HD). Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Kanopy. Rent the movie on Apple TV Store, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.

Can I stream Knife in the Water or do I have to rent it in the United States?

Watch the movie with a subscription on HBO Max (HD) and The Criterion Channel (HD). Rent the movie on Apple TV Store, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.

Can I watch Knife in the Water for free in the United States?

Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Kanopy.