At the end of June, the series 'Raycenter' was released on Ivi. What can you find in an ordinary district center of our city? A meteorite, betrayals, intrigues, and investigations. Everything is here – in the 8 episodes of the series and our article...

The Story

Former classmates gather in the village of Varmalei to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their high school graduation. At the same time, a car that has been lying at the bottom of a local pond since that very prom night is pulled out, containing a corpse and a meteorite fragment. An investigation begins, uncovering old secrets and conflicts, complicating the tangled relationships of former classmates and their teachers, and unmasking those who have skillfully hidden behind them for 20 years.

The Meteorite and Everyone, Everyone, Everyone

In the first episode of the series 'Raycenter,' we are introduced to the main characters. The former classmates are vivid and slightly hyperbolic characters compared to those we might usually meet next door.

Milka (Kristina Asmus) is the class's top girl. A woman ready to walk over anyone in her high heels, and her sharp nails, whose resilience is admirable until the last episode, will seize any opportunity. Pink colors, bright makeup with a hint of blood – the perfect girl for the evening, what can I say.

Vasya (Ivan Dobronravov) is the main investigator of the village of Varmalei. A brilliant detective, but a person completely clueless about human relationships. His interactions with his daughter can be watched with a smile, but with other characters, even his own wife, he mostly communicates in the language of criminology terms. This habit is the character's trademark.

Anton (Dmitry Chebotaryov) is the class's main bully, which he has remained in life, and also, coincidentally, Milka's ex-husband. All scenes in the series related to displays of masculinity, coolness, and action episodes are all about Anton and his eternally snow-white T-shirt.

Mushin (Igor Grabuzov) is the main antagonist of the story. He is ruthless, pursuing his goal to the very end. It could be said that he and Milka are like two sides of the same coin of madness. Only if the girl is interested exclusively in profit, then for the guy it's important to understand why he acts this way.

Dinya and Grinya (Artyom Volobuev and Nikolay Auzin) – it's impossible to separate these characters even in a description. A loser who became a deputy, and his faithful Sancho Panza.

The Meteorite – yes, it is also here as a character. This small piece from space, which has been in the hands of almost every character, reveals the life stories of the local heroes. The meteorite is the perfect image of a MacGuffin. For each character, it plays an important goal and is a way to obtain what they desire – happiness, justice, money, or even simple peace of mind.

Everything That Happens in Varmalei Stays in Varmalei

The action takes place in a small district center, hidden from civilization and surrounded by dense forest. It's also worth noting that the action takes place in 2014. So don't expect ultra-modern technology or any trendy gadgets here.

True, there is no connection among the characters not only on a technical level but also on the level of relationships. Everyone tries to assert themselves in life in some way, or prove to others that they have achieved a lot. Like Dinya, who reached the highest ranks and became a deputy. It's amusing to note that the film's director played the role of Dinya's driver. Even more amusing is the scene of his dismissal – watch closely.

'Raycenter' is a black comedy that exposes human vices. If you think the characters' behavior is 'excessive,' then you're not mistaken. The creators try to reveal each image through extreme emotions and exaggerated behavior. If it's a deputy, then a cameraman will definitely follow him, filming all his 'exploits,' and his speeches on camera will be exclusively laudatory. If it's a rebel, he will definitely be in a leather jacket and on the coolest car or motorcycle.

The detective component and elements of science fiction in the series 'Raycenter' are also a resounding success. And it's also funny that the episode titles sometimes hide the weapon from which a particular character will die – it adds a bit of spice to the viewing, so to speak.

The atmosphere of the series is also pleasing. We are in an ordinary district center of Russia – small wooden buildings, a river, garages, and a House of Culture. But at the same time, we feel the summer weather, the scorching sun. Thanks to this, there is no impression that bloody events will soon unfold here, as might have been the case in the series 'Fargo,' with which this project is so often compared.

An additional pleasure while watching will be the search for Easter eggs and references, including to works of art. For example, in Vasya's office hangs a poster from 'The X-Files,' and the characters of Chebotaryov and Meisinger almost reproduce Rembrandt's painting 'The Return of the Prodigal Son.'

In short, this series is definitely worth watching. And the most accurate definition of what 'Raycenter' turned out to be was given by its creators:

It's a damn mix of detective, fantasy, parody, thriller, and 'black comedy' of society's morals, where there is no other measure except easy money.

Trailer: