In 2022, numerous projects were released on various domestic online platforms that we can definitely be proud of. We didn't compile a top list or rank the series; we simply provide a list of projects in order of their release date this year and the r...
In the middle of the year, we took stock of Russian cinema's series output. Now it's time to look back at the entire outgoing year and highlight the most notable projects.
2022 is already moving towards its midpoint. In today's selection, interesting domestic series that have already managed to please us during this time. Why you should pay attention to them
Open materialNomination (Okko, February 2022)
A truthful project by the Mikhalkov sisters about how movies are actually made. With problems, comedic situations, passions, and of course, a good ending. If you're curious about what goes on behind the camera, this series will more than satisfy your curiosity.
The Tely (more.tv, February 2022)
An adaptation of Sergei Minaev's novella "The Tely. A Story of Unreal Love". What should you know about this series? That you shouldn't anger women, and that everything you do, especially bad things, will definitely come back like a boomerang.
Mutual Consent (Kion, March 2022)
For a long time, everyone was waiting for Valeria Gai Germanika's return to the screen. She is back within school walls, but this time the events unfold from the perspective of a young Russian language and literature teacher. After being raped, she faces a harsh reality: no one wants to investigate the case, and society blames her. But is everything so simple?
The theme of the "boomerang" is also interestingly explored in this series. While most of the project seems like a harsh depiction of our modern realities, the final episode dots all the i's and crosses all the t's, leaving the viewer deeply moved.
Patient Zero (Kinopoisk, May 2022)
, in which the authors were not afraid to tell the high-profile story of the HIV outbreak in the USSR. The series, however, is not documentary but rather fictional: it features vivid doctor characters, notes of a brisk political thriller, and a systemic element emphasizing the value of life.
"Patient Zero," which premiered on May 19 on Kinopoisk, skillfully and engagingly interprets HBO's "Chernobyl," telling the story of an impending catastrophe that is collectively ignored.
Open materialHome Field (more.tv, May 2022)
A rare example of a successful adaptation of foreign material by domestic filmmakers. The transposition of the Norwegian series "Home Ground" to our realities turned out much glossier and more fantastical (and not just because a women coaches a men's football team), but no less captivating and effective (largely due to the unusual color grading and elegant cinematography).
"Home Field" is far from reaching the heights of "Ted Lasso," but the attempt to create a stylish project about the number one sport can be counted. And one hopes that in the second season, if there is one, the authors will stop ruthlessly exploiting genre clichés and talk about truly important things.
YUZZZ (Premier, May 2022)
When it seemed that "gangster" projects had long sunk into oblivion, 2022 gave us new perspectives on this genre. While Ruslan Bratov delved into philosophical subtexts, the creators of the series "YUZZZ" focused on emotionality and the long-forgotten romanticization of street fights.
On September 22, "Express," one of the most unusual and vibrant Russian films of recent years, was released. Why this original movie should not be missed under any circumstances – in our review.
Open materialAt the same time, the show does not suffer from "darkness"; rather the opposite – it is full of bright colors and the flavor of southern Russia, as well as equally charismatic characters. Perhaps "YUZZZ" gave us the most memorable supporting characters of the year.
The Pack (more.tv, September 2022)
We discussed this series in more detail in our review. Ultimately, it turned out to be a modern "Lord of the Flies" with an emphasis on the problems of today's youth and the possibilities of writing a new page in life. Through pain, blood, loss, and betrayal.
In autumn, the series "The Pack" about a group of young offenders left alone in the wild was released. Is it worth your time?
Open materialThe Griefers (Premier, September 2022)
This project has a peculiar history: only three episodes were released, after which the broadcast was suspended. The reason is the triggering aspects of modern Russian life that the creators touched upon.
The series about three puppet characters living in the human world and sharing an apartment is a biting satirical commentary on current topics that truly managed to strike a chord with viewers.
Union of Salvation. Time of Wrath (Kion, September 2022)
Like "The Griefers," this project in multi-episode format (previously a feature film) went through a strange journey: initially episodes were released weekly, but at one point the broadcast was abruptly stopped, and a couple of days later all episodes were released. No one ever explained why.
Over eight episodes, the creators managed to tell the story of the Decembrists in more detail than in the film. Starting the story in 1823, we go through all the events that led to the uprising. Besides the Decembrists, who received the most attention in the film, the series also tells the story of the other side – the ministers and the authorities. Some had ideological motives, others personal. There are no bad or good guys in this story. Everyone has their own truth.
For historical series of the new period of domestic cinema, this is a big step in terms of production. However, there is still room for improvement in historical accuracy. For example, not showing buildings that were built only 10 years after the events. At least they didn't show the Alexander Column!
1703 (Okko, September 2022)
We have seen St. Petersburg in series as mystical, criminal, romantic. But our city has never appeared like this on screen. Songs by Tatiana Bulanova, night rides through the center and back alleys, the non-ceremonial streets of Kolomna.
In short, "1703" is a bit of vulgarity, a bit of rudeness, all seasoned with mysticism. The hero Kuzma Saprykin has a great line: "Petersburg either accepts you or it doesn't." It's the same with this series. Some will love it from the first scenes, others won't. But if you accept it, it will give you many allusions to various legends and films. And there's even an elephant walking the streets...
The Dropper (Premier, September 2022)
Immediately after its release, this show was compared to both "Euphoria" and "Breaking Bad." Not bad references, you'll agree? And there is some truth to it. On one hand, "The Dropper" tells about the problems of youth in a glamorous wrapper (the TikTok era, after all), and on the other, it's a brisk crime thriller with comedic elements about two accomplices fate brought together in a bizarre way.
At the same time, "The Dropper" is 100% our product. It has sparkling humor that only a Russian person can understand. It has many heartfelt episodes that again touch only our viewer. And for such projects, we are not ashamed; we are even proud!
Chimera (ivi, September 2022)
"Chimera" can rightfully be awarded the title of the most brutal and uncompromising series of the year. The endlessly talented Alexander Kuznetsov reveals new facets of his mastery here, Lukerya Ilyashenko is as always stunningly beautiful, and the intricate story of a drug empire emerging online keeps you on edge until the last episode, only to completely knock the ground from under your feet.
End of the World (Kinopoisk, October 2022)
Yuri Kolokolnikov as Satan with a dark sense of humor? Vladimir Marconi's head ending up in his own rear in the first episode? Sergei "Dukalis" Selin in a colonel's uniform? That alone is enough to at least give a chance to this wild comedy about how the devil tries to mend his relationship with his son on Earth on the eve of the apocalypse. It seems that for the first time, Alexander Nezlobin has actually created a funny and not entirely pointless story.
The Negotiator (Kion, November 2022)
What happens if you take the series "The Method" and "Trigger," mix them and shake? The result is exactly the series "The Negotiator."
At the center of the narrative is the story of negotiator Alexander Maximov, a brilliant specialist in his field but keeping his distance from the world. Each episode presents different situations requiring a negotiator's help: be it a business deal or simply a mother-daughter relationship. At the same time, a detective story runs through the entire series, the resolution of which may surprise you.
Kozlovsky's Seasons
This year, Danila Kozlovsky released a series project every season. Some went quietly, some with scandals. The beginning of the year was marked by the release of the series . In spring, there was a project about artificial intelligence "Lyusya" . Autumn brought us romantic adventures in St. Petersburg together with Alexander Petrov "In Two" . The year ends with the premiere of the mystical series "13 Clinical" .
At the beginning of the year, Danila Kozlovsky's new project "Karamora" was released. We didn't talk about it right away, but gave ourselves some time to comprehend what was happening on screen. In the end, we can say
Open material
This year we were also pleased with the continuation of such series as "Vampires of the Middle Strip", "Container", "Survival Game", "Difficult Teenagers."
P.S. We also want to highlight "Offline" in a special category of "worst ending of a good series."
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