Watch Russian Doll

Russian Doll is a dark comedy-drama series produced by Netflix that premiered in February 2019. The series follows the story of Nadia Vulvokov, portrayed by Natasha Lyonne, an independent and cynical game developer in her 30s, who is stuck in a time loop after being killed multiple times. The show explores themes of mental health, trauma, addiction, and the human psyche.

Nadia's story begins on her 36th birthday, which she is celebrating in New York City with her friends. She finds herself repeatedly dying and then reawakening in the same bathroom at her friend's party. Nadia is trapped in a never-ending cycle of death and rebirth, reliving the same day over and over again but with each experience she gains a new perspective on herself and those around her. Nadia's situation is complicated further when she meets Alan, another person who is also stuck in a similar patten and who she'll have to team up with to figure a way out of the loop.

Nadia is a lovable but flawed character, extremely smart but also arrogant and defensive due to her traumatic past. Through the time loop, she is forced to confront her inner demons and come to terms with the issues that she has been avoiding for years. The more deaths she experiences, the more we learn about her difficult upbringing, her strained relationship with her mother, her struggle with addiction, and her vulnerability that makes her afraid of genuine connections with others.

The show is anchored by the performance of Natasha Lyonne, who is excellent as the sardonic protagonist. Her natural wit, charm and sense of humor provide a compelling and entertaining viewing experience for the audience. She has described her role as the culmination of her life experiences as well as her struggles with alcohol addiction in real life.

Aside from Lyonne, the show features a talented ensemble cast, including Greta Lee as Nadia's best friend and business partner, Yul Vazquez as Nadia's ex-boyfriend, and Charlie Barnett as Alan, a man who is also stuck in the time loop. Elizabeth Ashley portrays an elderly woman who shares Nadia's experience, and their encounter yields some of the show's most poignant moments. Her interactions with Nadia are hilarious, poignant and give a sense of hope that someone can learn and grow from difficult experiences.

The show is heavily stylized with lots of visually arresting moments, surreal imagery, and clever metaphors, making it a feast for the eyes. The scenes are creatively shot and edited, and the show's pacing keeps the audience engaged until the end, which delivers a satisfying conclusion to the story.

Russian Doll is unique, as it's a show that tackles heavy themes but at the same time finds a way of being uplifting and even charming. The show blends the brooding, thought-provoking drama with a sweet, yet witty sense of humor that makes it unique in its genre.

The show's creators, Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler, and Leslye Headland have crafted a twisty, cerebral show, which is intriguing and insightful in equal measure. Nadia is a relatable character that is dealing with depression and addiction issues, and the show takes the time to address the raw reality of these topics. The show forces Nadia to confront all of her demons and one of its best accomplishments is how it interweaves Nadia's story with the other characters in the supporting cast.

In conclusion, Russian Doll is an intelligent and captivating series that offers a unique perspective on mental health, addiction, and human connection. The performances in the series are excellent, and the writing and directing are top-notch. This show is highly recommended to anyone who loves dark, cerebral comedies that will make you think, cry and ultimately appreciate life. With only one season so far, it's a must-watch for anyone looking to binge-watch something out of the ordinary.

Russian Doll is a series that ran for 2 seasons (16 episodes) between February 1, 2019 and on Netflix