Heweliusz is a 2025 Polish historical drama miniseries. It is directed by Jan Holoubek and written by Kasper Bajon. The series stars Magdalena Różczka, Michał Żurawski, Borys Szyc, and others.
The series is based on a true story about the sinking of the MS Jan Heweliusz ferry, which tragically capsized in a storm on the Baltic Sea on January 14, 1993. It is often referred to as one of Poland’s greatest post-war maritime tragedies.
The story follows the ferry Jan Heweliusz’s last voyage and a parallel courtroom investigation. It blends disaster-at-sea action with a family-driven fight for truth and justice.
The plot is a fictionalized, multi-layered narrative that combines a disaster drama at sea with a courtroom saga/investigation on land. The five-episode series premieres on Netflix on November 5, 2025.
Heweliusz Age Rating
The series Heweliusz is rated TV-MA on Netflix, indicating content that is specifically intended for an adult audience due to its mature themes and intense subject matter. The show is described as a drama about a catastrophic ferry disaster, which serves as a foundation for exploring deeper, complex issues. The mature themes present throughout the series include death, grief, institutional neglect, legal battles, and public controversy. The central focus of the narrative is on the families of the victims as they cope with immense loss and fight against bureaucratic indifference, directly addressing issues of trauma, memory, and social injustice in early 1990s Poland.
Violence and Peril
The violence and peril in Heweliusz are rated as moderate to strong, stemming primarily from the faithful recreation of a real-life maritime disaster. Viewers should expect intense life-and-death sea sequences that involve a ferry capsizing. The show features distressing imagery, including tense rescue scenes, violent storms, and widespread panic. Sequences may show the risk of drowning, injuries, and chaotic evacuation efforts as characters battle the brutal forces of the sea.
Language
The use of language in the series is rated at a moderate level. Given the highly stressful and dramatic nature of the plot—both during the disaster and the subsequent investigation—the dialogue is adult and realistic. Expect to hear some strong language, shouted arguments, and the blunt, realistic tone often found in courtroom or bureaucratic settings.
Is Heweliusz Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The series depicts real deaths and frantic sea disaster scenes. These sequences are likely frightening and confusing for preteens.
Ages 13–15: With Guidance. Some mature teens may handle the drama if parents pre-screen first. Discuss the historical context and the real tragedy beforehand.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance / Caution. Older teens can watch with parental context. Expect them to understand the legal and societal themes. Recommend co-viewing and post-show discussion.
Final recommendation: For most viewers under 16, we do not recommend Heweliusz. For 16–17-year-olds, watch together and discuss the historical truth and emotional weight.
What Parents Can Do
Pre-screen key scenes. Watch the storm, capsizing, and courtroom sequences first. Decide what your child can handle.
Explain the real history. Give an age-appropriate context about the MS Jan Heweliusz sinking on January 14, 1993. This helps separate drama from fact.
Use it as a teaching moment. Talk about grief, institutional responsibility, and how families seek justice after tragedies.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q1: What is the age rating for Heweliusz?
A: Heweliusz is rated TV-MA on Netflix for mature themes and intense peril.
Q2: Is Heweliusz appropriate for kids or teens?
A: Not for young children. Teens 16–17 may watch with parental guidance. Younger teens should be cautious.
Q3: Are there violent or scary scenes?
A: Yes. The show recreates a storm, capsizing, and frantic rescue scenes that can be upsetting.
Q4: Does the show contain strong language or slurs?
A: Expect some strong language and heated courtroom exchanges.
Q5: Is sexual content, nudity, or substance use shown?
A: The series centres on disaster, investigation, and grief. Sexual content and substance use are not primary elements.
Q6: Where can I watch Heweliusz?
A: Heweliusz will stream on Netflix worldwide from November 5, 2025.