A cynical young woman in New York City keeps dying and returning to the party that's being thrown in her honor on that same evening. She tries to find a way out of this strange time loop.
Wow. What a ride. This series compelled me to reactivate my account to write a review.
First of all - please do not expect laugh out loud comedy. This is a very dark and sometimes very unpleasant series.
Yet, it is sometimes hilarious in its own way.
The story of Russian Doll is based on a now often used device, granted. But it is by no means formulaic.
In fact, there are so many twists and turns in the development section of the 8 episodes, you will be glued to the screen.
Some people didn't like the main character, calling her nasty and unpleasant. But this is the point of the series! She is a deeply troubled person.
But trust me, she will become likeable soon enough - and stay tuned for the arrival of another main character (played by Charlie Barnett), who totally makes up for everything cringeworthy the potty-mouthed character played by Natasha Lyonne did until this point.
In the end, I promise you, you will have watched a cathartic experience that will leave you very happy.
On the technical level, Russian Doll is unusually well shot. The lighting reminds me of classic Mario Bava movies (I think this is intentional), and the music is very well sought.
So, go watch this, and please watch beyond episode 3, you will thank me later.
If only all takes on old plot devices were this awesome! Netflix, you need to give us more like this, not that narcissistic crap that so often pops up lately (Girl Boss, Insatiable with TRULY unlikeable characters).
fad-387984 February 2019
It's brilliant!
An extremely weird but captivating story, great acting, excellent script, natural dialogue, very good production values and a fantastic range of characters.
I did not know whether to laugh or cry. The funniest saddest weird thing ever. Kafkaesque and slapstick at the same time.
Do not ruin it with a second series.
droideka753 February 2019
Boy I hated this show so much at the beginning! It was awful, not funny, pretensious, pseudo intelectual! For the first 3 episodes boy I was almost giving up... And then it wasn't! Those first episodes are there for a reason and it pays off. Must watch TV. You will not regret giving it a chance past the first few episodes.
geoffreywealthy18 March 2021
Wow,,wonderfull acting ,great story ,I binged the complete series in one night ,
it has humour ,and the characters where brilliantly played ,TV at its best
anarchyONtheSHORTbus3 February 2019
I just finished binging Russian Dolls, and it was awesome. While it's loaded with dark humor, this show is not a a comedy, but so much more. Its smorgasbord of topics, including loneliness, guilt, depression, fear, forgiveness, and moving forward.
robbiefisher-227841 February 2019
I don't usually write reviews but I ended up staying up all night/morning watching this. I don't have much to say as I don't want to spoil anything. But the acting is great, the humour is great and the mystery is really interesting and will keep you interested from episode to episode. Highly recommend.
bluesinab4 February 2019
In semi-typical fashion it started a little slow in interest for me but I watched the first episode and said,"Ok, one more..."
And then of course you get the obligatory, "Well, I HAVE to see what happens next.." which is followed by, "Well, who the hell is THIS character?" And then of course the reaction of, " Oh Hell Naw!" Which proceeds the ever popular, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?" But then you get the "Oh I got this" episode. Only to be smacked by the " Whoa.... didn't see THAT coming" show. Which all is summed up with "More please.."
After two episodes I was hooked. I did get a bit scared at a point, but I'm a wuss. Really enjoyable all throughout. Doesn't really have anything to do with Groundhog day, apart from the timeloop thing. Reviewers who claim so haven't watched more than 1 episode and shouldn't be taken seriously.
alicej-137061 February 2019
Natasha Lyonne is a genius. This show is incredible and a must see. The talent from Lyonne and the rest of the cast in first class and I strongly believe this will be one of, if not the best show to air on Netflix this year!
nejoizar14 January 2021
Natasha Lyonne is everything. She is a true actor who is really talented regarding acting. She is a master of comedy, and this show is perfect for having a very entertaining watching session. The writing of the series is good and the inclusion of the Jewish culture in NYC is very nice. Elizabeth Ashley's performance is also mesmerizing. Can not wait for season two!
slcunseenpunk4 February 2019
Not only is it the best new show to binge, it is specifically designed to binge. Russian Doll possess the dark grey tone of 'A Hand Maids Tail,' the existential humor of 'The Good Place,' and the twistedness of 'Black Mirror.' Russian doll, with an all female writing, and directing team evolves beyond the hint of gender non conformity, to a level of gender non compliance, or maybe even non existence. Russian doll is a true, deep, dark, intelligent masterpiece. Russian dolls transcends time, morality, gender and genres. The secret to its brilliance is within the mood, because although you are witnessing the darkest moments of these characters many timelines, the story maintains a somber innate sense of humor. It is truly the most engaging and entertaining show on Netflix.
User Reviews
Wow. What a ride. This series compelled me to reactivate my account to write a review.
First of all - please do not expect laugh out loud comedy. This is a very dark and sometimes very unpleasant series. Yet, it is sometimes hilarious in its own way.
The story of Russian Doll is based on a now often used device, granted. But it is by no means formulaic. In fact, there are so many twists and turns in the development section of the 8 episodes, you will be glued to the screen.
Some people didn't like the main character, calling her nasty and unpleasant. But this is the point of the series! She is a deeply troubled person. But trust me, she will become likeable soon enough - and stay tuned for the arrival of another main character (played by Charlie Barnett), who totally makes up for everything cringeworthy the potty-mouthed character played by Natasha Lyonne did until this point.
In the end, I promise you, you will have watched a cathartic experience that will leave you very happy.
On the technical level, Russian Doll is unusually well shot. The lighting reminds me of classic Mario Bava movies (I think this is intentional), and the music is very well sought.
So, go watch this, and please watch beyond episode 3, you will thank me later.
If only all takes on old plot devices were this awesome! Netflix, you need to give us more like this, not that narcissistic crap that so often pops up lately (Girl Boss, Insatiable with TRULY unlikeable characters).
It's brilliant!
An extremely weird but captivating story, great acting, excellent script, natural dialogue, very good production values and a fantastic range of characters.
I did not know whether to laugh or cry. The funniest saddest weird thing ever. Kafkaesque and slapstick at the same time.
Do not ruin it with a second series.
Boy I hated this show so much at the beginning! It was awful, not funny, pretensious, pseudo intelectual! For the first 3 episodes boy I was almost giving up... And then it wasn't! Those first episodes are there for a reason and it pays off. Must watch TV. You will not regret giving it a chance past the first few episodes.
Wow,,wonderfull acting ,great story ,I binged the complete series in one night , it has humour ,and the characters where brilliantly played ,TV at its best
I just finished binging Russian Dolls, and it was awesome. While it's loaded with dark humor, this show is not a a comedy, but so much more. Its smorgasbord of topics, including loneliness, guilt, depression, fear, forgiveness, and moving forward.
I don't usually write reviews but I ended up staying up all night/morning watching this. I don't have much to say as I don't want to spoil anything. But the acting is great, the humour is great and the mystery is really interesting and will keep you interested from episode to episode. Highly recommend.
In semi-typical fashion it started a little slow in interest for me but I watched the first episode and said,"Ok, one more..." And then of course you get the obligatory, "Well, I HAVE to see what happens next.." which is followed by, "Well, who the hell is THIS character?" And then of course the reaction of, " Oh Hell Naw!" Which proceeds the ever popular, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?" But then you get the "Oh I got this" episode. Only to be smacked by the " Whoa.... didn't see THAT coming" show. Which all is summed up with "More please.."
bravo 👏🏾Netflix, Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler & Russian Doll 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
#BookOfJimmy
After two episodes I was hooked. I did get a bit scared at a point, but I'm a wuss. Really enjoyable all throughout. Doesn't really have anything to do with Groundhog day, apart from the timeloop thing. Reviewers who claim so haven't watched more than 1 episode and shouldn't be taken seriously.
Natasha Lyonne is a genius. This show is incredible and a must see. The talent from Lyonne and the rest of the cast in first class and I strongly believe this will be one of, if not the best show to air on Netflix this year!
Natasha Lyonne is everything. She is a true actor who is really talented regarding acting. She is a master of comedy, and this show is perfect for having a very entertaining watching session. The writing of the series is good and the inclusion of the Jewish culture in NYC is very nice. Elizabeth Ashley's performance is also mesmerizing. Can not wait for season two!
Not only is it the best new show to binge, it is specifically designed to binge. Russian Doll possess the dark grey tone of 'A Hand Maids Tail,' the existential humor of 'The Good Place,' and the twistedness of 'Black Mirror.' Russian doll, with an all female writing, and directing team evolves beyond the hint of gender non conformity, to a level of gender non compliance, or maybe even non existence. Russian doll is a true, deep, dark, intelligent masterpiece. Russian dolls transcends time, morality, gender and genres. The secret to its brilliance is within the mood, because although you are witnessing the darkest moments of these characters many timelines, the story maintains a somber innate sense of humor. It is truly the most engaging and entertaining show on Netflix.