"Other People’s Money" is a series that cleverly unveils the secrets of the world of cryptocurrency and criminal machinations. We share our first impressions of the new project with Maxim Matveev in two roles at once.

"Other People’s Money" is a new Russian crime drama that captivates viewers from the first episodes with its intricate plot, double game, and the atmosphere of the modern shadowy world of cryptocurrency. The project is directed by Igor Tverdokhlebov and written by Sergey and Dmitry Minaev. It is not just another story about swindlers, but also an attempt to look into the parallel reality of modern Moscow, where power, money, and risk intertwine in the most unexpected ways.

At the center of the story is Alexey Voronov (Maxim Matveev), a brilliant con artist and crypto boss who, finding himself under attack from the mafia and corrupt officials, decides to go into hiding. He uses his doppelgänger—a provincial bank clerk Yura Afanasyev (also Matveev)—as a "drop" who, by chance, gets drawn into someone else’s dangerous life. After the real Voronov is killed, Yura is forced to pretend to be a mafioso, balancing between luxury and mortal danger.

The screenwriters skillfully play with the themes of doppelgängers, identity substitution, and moral choice: can an ordinary person, stepping into someone else’s shoes, not lose themselves and remain true to their principles? This motif unfolds not only through external events but also through the inner experiences of the protagonist, who has to learn to live someone else’s life without giving himself away even to those close to him.

Maxim Matveev has repeatedly amazed viewers with his ability to transform, and now he has to demonstrate this in double measure. He masterfully handles the dual role, creating two completely different yet outwardly identical characters: a charismatic, self-confident con artist and a simple, bewildered provincial.

The supporting cast is no less expressive. It is pleasant and even somewhat surprising to watch Gosha Kutsenko in the role of Svintsitsky, who adds charisma, lightheartedness, and humor to the project. Also, Stasya Miloslavskaya, Filipp Yankovsky, and other actors fit organically into the atmosphere of the criminal world.

The cinematography and visual style of the series deserve special praise. Moscow is shown here not only as a glamorous metropolis but also as a city with a dark, almost mythological side—a world where financial flows and criminal schemes exist parallel to ordinary life, and the uninitiated can get lost here.

This is where the series’ problems lie. The first episode may seem more "for insiders" due to the abundance of professional jargon and terms from the world of cryptocurrency. The beginning of the series may feel overloaded with schemes and details of financial machinations, but as the plot develops, personal dramas and charismatic secondary characters come to the forefront, making the viewing more engaging.

Perhaps one would like to see a bit more of Matveev’s performance in two roles, but the screenwriters know best. Moreover, a more active introduction of law enforcement officers, who have seemed quite passive so far, looms on the horizon.

One thing is certain: "Other People’s Money" is a dynamic, stylish series that will appeal to fans of crime dramas with elements of psychological thriller. It has everything: intrigue, humor, and an attempt to comprehend modern reality, where the boundaries between good and evil, one’s own and others’, are becoming increasingly blurred.