6.7 / 10 (based on 35 reviews)
‘On the edge’ is a TV drama about three young women who find themselves in the Middle East in the den of terrorists. Based on real events, the series depicts how innocent people are recruited and become living weapons in the hands of militants. A student of a prestigious Moscow university, Lena grew up in a happy well-to-do family. One day she learns about her fiancé’s infidelity and then that her own father has a mistress as well. Deeply shocked by this double betrayal, Lena becomes an easy prey for the recruiter Ruslan. A young man quickly conquers her heart. To marry him she converts to Islam and goes to his homeland, while her father desperately rushes to look for his daughter. The traces lead him to the Caliphate – A provincial beauty Katya also falls under influence of Ruslan, whom she met online. The persistent suitor convinces the girl to come visit him in Turkey. Katya packs her belongings and goes to Istanbul, where not a prince charming is awaiting for her. While both Katya and Lena were tricked into coming to the Middle East, Amina goes there of her own will. As a widow of a militant with a little son, she was constantly harassed by her fellow villagers and finally decided to leave for Syria, where her beloved husband died. Now in Syria, in the territory of the Caliphate, all these heroines are prisoners of militants and each of them has her own mission to complete. Having met by accidence, the women decide to escape. For the sake of a chance to return to their own country, they will risk their lives with weapons in their hands.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Diana Pozharskaya, Sofi Shutkina, Feruza Ruzieva, Nikolay Fomenko
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1 season, 8 episodes
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Tot, kto ne spit (2017)
6 / 10 (based on 7 reviews)
The new detective series revolves around an extravagant, rather motley, but united team of private detectives. They look into unusual cases that official agencies, for one reason or another, find it hard to investigate. Sometimes their investigations reveal very unexpected secrets, which conceal something more than just crimes. These detectives are hard to surprise as they themselves are not quite ordinary from the point of view of the average layman. One of the main characters in the team of detectives is mysterious Phil, who keeps awake all the time and does not remember anything of his past. But he sees and understands reality much better than others, which leaves no chance for criminals and his colleagues in astonishment.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi
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2 seasons, 32 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Solnechnyy noyabr (2019)
6.4 / 10 (based on 6 reviews)
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Genre: Drama, Romance
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Dvi materi (2018)
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Genre: Drama, Romance
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Lapsi (2018)
6.8 / 10 (based on 56 reviews)
Fatal cases of the Western Nile Fever are registered in one of the remote Russian areas in Karelia. This disease is quite exotic. The Karelian outbreak is against the existing scientific knowledge. An epidemiological expedition is sent to the location. The group includes two protagonists – VERA and NIKOLAI, who once were romantically involved and, as it turns out in the course of current events, have not yet lost their mutual affection for each other. None of them knows what this unexpected journey turns to be. The Counted (Lapsi) is a story with the elements of paranormal and sci-fi genres intertwined in it, put in the unique geographical, ethnical and social setting of Karelian land that is filled with mystical legends and inexplicable myths survived through history till our time. The team faces the facts that can hardly be explained and are more mysterious than the death itself.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Daniil Vorobyov, Boris Khvoshnyanskiy, Diana Pozharskaya, Maksim Bramatkin
Creators: Alexander Kessel
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2 seasons, 16 episodes
Otel Eleon (2016)
7.7 / 10 (based on 1665 reviews)
Love story in a Boutique Hotel Eleon.
Genre: Comedy
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3 seasons, 63 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
SurrealEstate (2021)
7.1 / 10 (based on 3252 reviews)
Realtor Nick Roman and an elite team of specialists handle the cases that no one else can: haunted and possessed houses that literally scare would-be buyers away.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
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1 season, 10 episodes, 43.0-minute runtime
In the realm of television, there’s a Russian series that, despite not making global headlines, has woven a narrative so compelling it deserves a spotlight. “Na krayu,” which translates to “On the Edge” in English, is a 2019 drama that delves into the complexities of human relationships, societal norms, and the internal struggle between right and wrong. This series, while not widely known outside of Russia, offers a unique blend of storytelling, character development, and suspense that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
The Premise
At its core, “Na krayu” is a story about confrontation. It pits the protagonist, a strong and morally upright woman, against a plethora of challenges that test her resilience, intellect, and moral compass. The series kicks off with her moving to a small town, where she quickly finds herself entangled in a web of corruption, deceit, and crime. What makes “Na krayu” stand out is not just its plot but how it approaches the narrative, offering a fresh perspective on the fight against corruption and the quest for justice.
Characters and Development
One of the show’s strongest suits is its character development. The protagonist, portrayed with depth and nuance, is not your typical hero. She’s flawed, relatable, and, most importantly, real. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of what is right, making her an engaging character to follow.
The supporting cast is equally compelling, each bringing their own backstory, motivations, and complexities to the table. From the corrupt officials to the victims of the town’s dark underbelly, “Na krayu” does an exceptional job of fleshing out its characters, making them more than just plot devices. This attention to character development enriches the narrative, making the story’s twists and turns all the more impactful.
Themes and Messages
“Na krayu” doesn’t shy away from tackling heavy themes. It explores the impact of corruption on a community, the lengths people will go to protect their power, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice. The show also delves into the personal, examining the protagonist’s struggle with her moral compass and the price of doing the right thing.
What sets “Na krayu” apart is its ability to weave these themes into a compelling narrative without being preachy. The show presents its messages through the actions and decisions of its characters, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions.
Visuals and Setting
The series’ setting plays a crucial role in its storytelling. The small town, with its picturesque landscapes and seemingly idyllic life, contrasts sharply with the dark, corrupt underbelly that the protagonist uncovers. This juxtaposition is not only visually striking but also serves to highlight the themes of corruption and innocence lost.
The cinematography of “Na krayu” deserves a special mention. The show’s visual storytelling, with its use of color, lighting, and camera angles, adds another layer of depth to the narrative. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into how each scene was shot, making the viewing experience all the more immersive.
Why It Deserves More Attention
In a world where television often relies on tried and tested formulas, “Na krayu” stands out for its originality. It’s a series that doesn’t just entertain but also challenges its viewers to think about the issues it presents. The combination of strong character development, compelling storytelling, and thought-provoking themes makes it a hidden gem in the world of TV shows.
Moreover, “Na krayu” is a testament to the quality of television that can come from outside the usual Hollywood sphere. It showcases the talent and creativity present in the Russian television industry, proving that compelling stories can come from any corner of the globe.
Final Thoughts
“Na krayu” is a series that deserves a spot on your watchlist. Whether you’re drawn to its intriguing plot, complex characters, or the deeper themes it explores, there’s something in it for everyone. It’s a show that will make you think, feel, and, most importantly, keep you on the edge of your seat. So, if you’re looking for something different from the usual fare, give “Na krayu” a chance. You might just find your new favorite show.