'Russian Doll' preview: A clever absurd comedy that is perfect to binge-watch on a weekend

'Russian Doll' preview: A clever absurd comedy that is perfect to binge-watch on a weekend

Have you ever thought of all the crazy ways one can die? Natasha Lyonne who plays Nadia in 'The Russian Doll' cannot stop dying and all the ways she dies will surely trump your imagination. Soon to release, 'Russian Doll' is a forthcoming Netflix series that was created, directed, produced and written by an all-women group consisting of Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler, and Leslye Headland.

Starring Lyonne as Nadia, 'Russian Doll' is a perfect weekend binge. Each episode ranges around 30 minutes and we get to witness Nadia, a carefree chain-smoker and video game coder, who is preparing herself to endure through her 36th birthday party hosted by her best friend Maxine (Greta Lee). Sadly, she just can't get enough of it, because she keeps dying and coming back to life.

ADVERTISEMENT
Fred Armisen, Natasha Lyonne, VP Original Series, Cindy Holland, Netflix, and Charlie Barnett attend 'Russian Doll' Premiere at The Metrograph on January 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Netflix)
Fred Armisen, Natasha Lyonne, VP Original Series, Cindy Holland, Netflix, and Charlie Barnett attend 'Russian Doll' Premiere at The Metrograph on January 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Netflix)

And no matter how hard she tries, she is stuck in an infinite loop. Unlike other series that have a female lead, only obsessed with finding her perfect match or dealing with other such relationship issues, 'Russian Doll' deals with some real-life issues. Throughout the series, we get to witness people from all walks of life.

ADVERTISEMENT

Another thing that makes 'Russian Doll' stand out from the rest, is that every character you meet has a specific role and without them it wouldn't be complete. If you look at the technical aspects of how the series was shot, you will surely be stunned by the way it was fully thought through and executed. 

Branden Wellington, Ritesh Rajan, Rebecca Henderson, Greta Lee, Natasha Lyonne, Charlie Barnett, Elizabeth Ashley, Leslye Headland, Jocelyn Bioh and Brendan Sexton III attend 'Russian Doll' Premiere at The Metrograph on January 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Netflix)
Branden Wellington, Ritesh Rajan, Rebecca Henderson, Greta Lee, Natasha Lyonne, Charlie Barnett, Elizabeth Ashley, Leslye Headland, Jocelyn Bioh and Brendan Sexton III attend 'Russian Doll' Premiere at The Metrograph on January 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Netflix)

ADVERTISEMENT

As 'Russian Doll' nears it premiering date on Netflix. Here are things that you should look out for.  

Unexpected plot twists

There are scenes that might leave you confused as to how events occurred, for which you might have to go back to previous episodes and watch them again. Characters you think have just entered the series, would have already made an appearance in previous episodes, which you may have just missed. So, it's best to keep a watch out for that. 

Get 'Ground Hog Day' and 'Edge of Tomorrow' out of your mind

Though people compare 'Russian Doll' to 'Ground Hog Day' or 'Edge of Tomorrow', do not keep that in your mind when you watch it. Though there is a blend of things mentioned in those movies, 'Russian Doll' has a high-risk level and fear that encapsulates the characters, actor Charlie Barnett revealed in an interview with MEAWW.

ADVERTISEMENT
Rebecca Henderson, Greta Lee, Charlie Barnett (Netflix)
Rebecca Henderson, Greta Lee, Charlie Barnett (Netflix)

Keep a keen eye on Alan

Though I haven't mentioned him earlier, he is someone to be on the lookout for. If you want to know how his entry sets the pace for 'Russian Doll', Barnett who plays Alan revealed: "I'm actually in the first, second and third episode and when you go back and watch it, you start to see how all these worlds were destined to collide from the very beginning."

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Judge

It might be a practiced habit, to judge the character and label them within the first and second episode, but in the case of 'Russian Doll', wait till the end before you can label them. Because if you do, you will end up with the wrong idea about the character and the storyline. 

(Source: Netflix)
(Source: Netflix)

What you can take away

Everyone will relate to 'Russian Doll' in a different way and end up taking a different message. Barnett revealed what he hopes viewers can take away. "I would really hope what they can grasp onto is that this idea of communication, this idea of figuring out a way to communicate with the people around you in a healthy and productive manner. I hope that, that is something that can be gained from this insane world and that we aren't all that different," the actor said. 

Season 1 of 'Russian Doll' premieres on Netflix February 1, 2019.

Disclaimer : The views expressed in this article belong to the writer and are not necessarily shared by MEAWW.

Share this article:

 russian doll natasha lyonne nadia charlie barnett alan absurd comedy review preview netflix season 1