The article presents a phenomenological description of existential experience, one of the fundamental issues in the philosophy of existence. At the outset, it is worth emphasizing that showing the specifics of this experience seems to be a difficult, or even an impossible task – due to its individual, subjective and inexpressible nature, and, as a consequence, its elimination from the academic, schematic, scientific reflection. The problem of existential experience is so interesting, however, and philosophically so important that – despite those disheartening limitations – it seems worthwhile to take a closer look at it. The article shows the phenomenon of human existence in the context of its intra‑world situation, exposing its ontic uniqueness.

The article offers an existential interpretation of Roman Polanski’s movie: Two men and the wardrobe (1958). Despite a large number of publications dealing with Polanski’s work, there is still no single study that would directly and primarily show the philosophical and existential potential of this short film. This article aims to amend this situation and reveal this potential. The paper is divided into five parts. Firstly, it depicts the issue of loneliness presented in Polanski’s film, referring – secondly – to the recognition of selected existential philosophers (J. Ortega y Gasset, E. Lévinas, J.‑P. Sartre, A. Camus). Thirdly, the article presents the specificity of the grotesque and absurd motifs characteristic for the film, exposing their connection with the problem of loneliness raised in it. Fourthly, the paper interprets the Polish director’s short film in the context of an authentic way of existence. It refers to the philosophy of Martin Heidegger, and emphasizes the gap between ‘being oneself’ and belonging to community (society). Finally, the article presents a psychological‑existential reading of Polanski’s short film, paying attention to the psychological determinants of human existence.