The film was shot in two major Russian cities: Saint Petersburg and Moscow. Many key scenes were filmed in Saint Petersburg, including the famous scene where Sasha falls into the Fontanka River. The streets and canals of Petersburg are shown in all their glory, emphasizing the special atmosphere of the city and its influence on the main character. In Moscow, scenes related to the lives of Sasha and Zlata were filmed, but the city is depicted more abstractly, highlighting the monotony and detachment of the main character from urban life. Filming began in September 2019 in Saint Petersburg, and director Anna Melikyan was firmly convinced that the film should be shot in autumn. This allowed creating a special atmosphere that perfectly matches the mood of the film.

Filming Locations:

Veronica's Apartment

In the Movie

The scene where Veronica sits at home, surrounded by gray and rainy weather. She sits on a chair in front of the window, her legs on the windowsill, looking out at the river embankment. Ships float along the water, creating a sense of movement and life, contrasting with Veronica's stillness and pensiveness. This scene highlights Veronica's inner state, immersed in her thoughts and experiences.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Kutuzov Embankment in Saint Petersburg. Kutuzov Embankment is a picturesque part of Saint Petersburg, located along the Neva River. It is surrounded by historic buildings and offers a magnificent view of the river and cityscapes. For Veronica, who is a tour guide and poetess, this place is ideal as it inspires her creativity and allows her to be closer to the city's nature and history.

Meeting at the Restaurant

In the Movie

The scene where Alexander and Zlata meet Veronica at the restaurant is a moment that reveals the complex relationships between these characters. Alexander has won an award, and he joyfully shows it to Veronica. Alexander, beaming with pride, displays his award to Veronica, expecting her to be genuinely happy for him. However, Veronica's reaction does not meet his expectations. She appears somewhat detached and not particularly pleased about this event. This is due to her own experiences or complex emotions she feels towards Sasha.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the famous Metropol restaurant in Moscow. This legendary place in the center of Moscow is known for its rich history and luxurious interiors. The hotel building was built at the beginning of the 20th century and is one of the most significant architectural monuments of the Art Nouveau style in Moscow. The Metropol restaurant is famous for its grand glass dome and the panel 'Princess of Dreams' by Mikhail Vrubel.

Museum

In the Movie

The scene where Veronica conducts tours of mystical places in Petersburg. She often leads tourists to the gates of the Mikhailovsky Castle, where the motto of the Romanov dynasty is engraved, highlighting her respect for the city's historical heritage. As the day comes to an end and the sun begins to set, Veronica finishes her work. She leaves the castle already in twilight, when the city takes on a special, mystical atmosphere. At that moment, Sasha is waiting for her on the street, unexpectedly reappearing in her life. This meeting may be a turning point for Veronica, as she once again encounters a person who evokes strong emotions in her and makes her think about her life.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the southern gates of the Mikhailovsky Castle. The Mikhailovsky Castle is not only a beautiful architectural structure but also a place filled with legends and secrets, which matches Veronica's character as a poetess and tour guide. Director Anna Melikyan may have chosen this location to create an atmosphere of mysticism and romanticism surrounding Veronica's character and to emphasize her role in the film as a guide through the historical and cultural sites of Petersburg.