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Productstar 4.0
Bitter Earth (2023, Series)
This drama series dives deep into the messy world of human relationships, with plenty of surprises along the way. Expect unexpected twists and turns that'll keep you hooked.
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A Descent into Darkness: Can You Really Know Someone?
summarizeEditor's Summary
I've always been fascinated by the idea of whether you can spot a serial killer or a psychopath in a stranger just by their appearance, manner of speech, and facial expressions. After watching a dozen movies about serial killers, you'd think there's a certain stereotype that emerges, but the truth is, sometimes the perpetrator is just an unassuming average Joe. And sometimes they're even a good family man, a loyal friend, and a law-abiding citizen. To be honest, I've always found chatty extroverts more unsettling than introverted grumps who seem to want to be left alone. This movie takes a gripping journey into the mind of a serial killer and the people around her, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The show's ability to balance suspense and psychological depth is impressive, making it feel incredibly real. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with each one bringing their own unique perspective to the story. The show's exploration of themes like trauma, mental health, and the human condition is thought-provoking and often uncomfortable to watch. But that's what makes it so compelling.
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Kararİyi
Hikaye7/10
Kalite8/10
Görüş9/10
Hello there!
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I've always been fascinated by the idea of whether you can spot a serial killer or a psychopath in a stranger just by their appearance, manner of speech, and facial expressions. After watching a dozen movies about serial killers, you'd think there's a certain stereotype that emerges, but the truth is, sometimes the perpetrator is just an unassuming average Joe. And sometimes they're even a good family man, a loyal friend, and a law-abiding citizen. To be honest, I've always found chatty extroverts more unsettling than introverted grumps who seem to want to be left alone.
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So, I genuinely believe that a comfortable taxi ride is when you travel in silence. And a successful journey isn't just when you avoid traffic or arrive on time; it's when the trip isn't your last. Unfortunately, when you get into a car with a stranger, you have no idea what to expect, even if they're officially a taxi driver.
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That's exactly what happened to a talented young woman named Victoria Vinogradova, who found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and never made it home. And many sad stories with a tragic ending start in a similar way... A fight, a night out, a remote location, and attempts to leave.
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In the center of the story and the tragic event is a confectioner named Larisa Aidarova (Svetlana Khodchenkova) from the provincial town of Ozyorsk, where the girl was killed. She's finally living a happy family life, free from the grip of her abusive husband, and has met a worthy man with whom they're planning their future together and occasionally have romantic nights, but fate had other plans... An unfortunate and not-so-random accident...
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Victoria was calling a taxi that day. Her call would be recorded by the dispatcher, but she never made it home. Who would be the first to come under suspicion? That's right, the taxi drivers.
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The case would be handled by the senior investigator, Andrei Orlov (Yuri Chursin), who was sent from the capital to investigate the murder. As it turns out, this isn't the first time girls have gone missing or been killed in this town, but the local authorities don't exactly work on the principle of 'my police will protect me.'
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The path of least resistance would be to arrest the taxi driver who picked up Victoria's call, which is exactly what the local police do. But Orlov finds evidence that leads the investigation to a different perpetrator, namely Maxim Chalkin (Anton Filipenko), another employee of the local taxi service and Aidarova's live-in partner.
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I've gotta say, Chalkin's never been mixed up in any shady business. He's a respectable family man, a good employee with a clean record. But somehow, his personal stuff ended up in his possession after the girl died. \xa0
Larisa can't believe her caring, gentle, and seemingly harmless husband, Maxim, could be capable of something like that, so she decides to investigate on her own. In the past, Aidarovaya had a history of violence and tyranny. It's harder to admit you've made a mistake again than to shift the blame onto someone else, even with minimal evidence.
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As the case unfolds, new suspicious characters will emerge, directly or indirectly linked to Chalkin. The system silenced them because it was beneficial, and now they have the chance to reveal crucial information that could impact the investigation.
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People like Orlov are determined to get to the truth, not because they want to suck up, but because they genuinely want to solve the crime. Of course, he'll face numerous obstacles and pressure from all sides, but thanks to his inquisitive mind, he'll be able to untangle the complex web.
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Evgenia Gradova, a police officer and Larisa's high school friend, embodies the eerie atmosphere of this small town. Almost every dark mystery with a 'who killed Laura Palmer?' vibe reminds me of Twin Peaks. In a place where everyone knows each other, it's hard to trust anyone. On the surface, everyone seems to get along, but beneath the façade, lies and secrets abound. One friend lies about the investigation progress and uses her friend for personal gain, another smiles in your face while sleeping with her ex-husband, a tyrant, and even threatens to take away her parental rights. Who can you trust, and who's actually on your side?
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I think Khotchenkova did an amazing job playing the role of a desperate person cornered. All her pseudo-spontaneity, sharp actions, and refusal to acknowledge the facts are explained by another collapse of her fragile mental balance and the pieces of her created well-being. How else should someone behave who lived a normal life yesterday, but today became the public enemy due to their connection to a suspect?
Many people see some inconsistencies in the story or an unusual coincidence of circumstances, but it's worth noting that the movie is based on real events from the story of the Abakan maniac Dmitry Lebedev. His wife also became a victim of brutal violence (and it's not comparable to the storyline of Khotchenkova) and didn't even suspect that the calm and peaceful Lebedev also raped and killed women...
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What only confirms once again that reality is scarier than fiction.
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The movie could have been condensed into fewer episodes and it was sometimes dragged out, but I was interested in immersing myself in this chthonic atmosphere of St. Petersburg's backstreets. The director and screenwriter touched on a wide range of negative human emotions: fear, apathy, desperation, disappointment, hurt, anger, hatred. Can we blame Larisa for her obvious 'blindness'? And how would you act in her place, knowing that your loved one is suspected of something you can't even comprehend? I don't have a clear answer to this question... After all, evidence is a stubborn thing, but it can also be wrong or fabricated.
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The city seemed to be frozen in these cold, icy decorations, and people were stuck in the distant past, where civilization had already moved forward and calling a taxi required just opening a mobile app, pre-tracking the performer's information beforehand.
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I didn't consider the film solely from a feminist perspective, that the central figure is a male rapist. A rapist can be anyone, regardless of their gender. And if we dive deeper into the example of the real Abakan maniac, it becomes clear that violence only begets violence and a once-capable boy, but not loved, subjected to abuse, may grow into a real monster. In my opinion, this is a story about codependency. About trying to cling to the illusion of happiness and well-being, just to avoid being left alone with oneself and one's shattered dreams.
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P.S. The story with Victoria's diary is the only thing that seemed strange to me. How naive would you have to be to sentence yourself to death by leaving open evidence and a glue stick? As they say, they called from Spain, asking to pass the message that it wasn't their shame...
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Should you watch the movie? If you're into detective stories, then go for it! And if you end up doing something else in the background, you won't even notice the dodgy sound and other annoying issues. The acting's decent, the atmosphere's got you on the edge, and that's a mystery that's still keeping me up at night - who's really behind it all?
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the show about?
The show follows the story of a talented young woman named Victoria Vinogradova, who finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and becomes embroiled in a dark and twisted world.
Is the show based on a true story?
While the show is fictional, it draws inspiration from real-life events and explores themes that are all too relevant in today's world.
How many episodes are in the show?
The show has 12 episodes, each one a self-contained chapter in the larger story.
What's the tone of the show?
The show has a dark and suspenseful tone, with a focus on psychological thrills and twists.
Is the show suitable for all ages?
No, the show deals with mature themes and contains some graphic content, making it unsuitable for younger viewers.
Can I stream the show online?
Yes, the show is available to stream on various platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime.
What's the show's runtime?
Each episode is approximately 45 minutes long, making it easy to binge-watch in a single sitting.
Is the show worth watching?
Yes, the show is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
What inspired the show's creator?
The show's creator drew inspiration from real-life events and personal experiences, as well as classic thrillers and suspenseful stories.
How does the show tackle sensitive topics?
The show tackles sensitive topics like trauma, mental health, and the human condition with sensitivity and respect, never feeling gratuitous or exploitative.
check_circlePros
- •The atmosphere is thick with tension from the very first scene, making it impossible to look away.
- •Each episode has a new twist and turn that keeps you guessing until the very end.
- •The storyline is engaging and unpredictable, keeping you hooked from start to finish.
- •The music is hauntingly beautiful, adding to the overall mood of the show.
- •The psychological undertones are expertly woven throughout the narrative, making it feel incredibly real.
- •The show tackles heavy life scenes with sensitivity and respect, never feeling gratuitous or exploitative.
- •The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with each one bringing their own unique perspective to the story.
- •The show's exploration of themes like trauma, mental health, and the human condition is thought-provoking and often uncomfortable to watch.
cancelCons
- •Some of the plot twists feel a bit contrived and predictable, taking away from the overall impact.
- •The pacing can feel a bit slow at times, dragging out the tension and making it feel a bit drawn out.
- •The ending is a bit of a letdown, feeling rushed and unsatisfying.
- •Some of the characters feel a bit one-dimensional, lacking the depth and complexity that the show otherwise excels at.
- •The show relies a bit too heavily on stereotypes, feeling like it's leaning on familiar tropes rather than taking risks.
- •The show's attempts at social commentary feel a bit heavy-handed and preachy at times, taking away from the overall impact of the story.
- •The show could benefit from a bit more character development, especially in the supporting cast.
- •Some of the plot holes are a bit too obvious, taking away from the overall immersion in the story.
