Hello everyone and thanks for reading!
I'll be honest, I only started watching Russian shows out of desperation. So far, the only one that's actually impressed me is 'Epidemic'. 'Method' was a total disappointment, 'Survival Game' was okay, but a bit of a mess, and 'Crystal' was decent, but I lost interest after the first few episodes.
I didn't expect much from the show with Kuznetsov, but I started watching and was actually intrigued. I was waiting for them to mess up the plot, make some ridiculous mistakes, or just plain fail, but it never happened. The show didn't even try to disappoint me.
One of the highlights of the show is the amazing cast and their performances - Sergey Kharachyov and Maria Mironova stood out to me, as did Ira Starshenbaum and Alexander Robak.
So, Yuri Shatal is a famous hypnotherapist who charges an over-the-top fee for his sessions. But, in his own weird way, he's actually pretty good at what he does.
Insomnia 2021 series reviewThe only downside is that he's not exactly a people person. He's got zero social skills and says whatever comes to mind.
Insomnia 2021 series reviewAs one of the characters put it, 'you're a really unpleasant guy, but you're also surprisingly perceptive'.
Insomnia 2021 Series ReviewI was reminded of House, but this guy's a whole different story. He's a jerk, and his character's not exactly likable. But, you know, he's complex and interesting. You'll be rolling your eyes, feeling sorry for him, and then suddenly, you'll be rooting for him.
It's a common trope, but it works. You know, every talented person's got their demons, and this guy's got a whole lot of them.
Insomnia 2021 Series ReviewHis ex-wife, for instance, was a real piece of work. She was struggling with depression, and her death was a huge blow to him. I'm not sure what's more haunting for him: the memories of his parents, his kid, or his ex-wife. And then there's the love interest, played by Irina Starshenbaum. She's not your typical love interest – she's smart, educated, and not afraid to speak her mind.
Insomnia 2021 Series ReviewShe's got a bit of a wild streak, but she's not your typical gold-digger. She's got her own goals and aspirations, and she's not afraid to go after what she wants. And, let's be real, she's got a bit of a thing for the main character, but she's not just some damsel in distress waiting to be rescued.
Insomnia 2021 Series ReviewOverall, I've got no major complaints about the character. Sure, there are some clichés, but they're executed well, and she's not just a one-dimensional character. She's got depth, and that's what makes her so interesting to watch.
Insomnia 2021 series reviewI'll be honest, our hypnotherapist protagonist is in way over his head - insomnia (it turns out he can only sleep peacefully with his priestess, but she's long gone by sunset), booze, ex-wife drama, and some other vague characters from the 19th century, all while searching for his 'higher power'. And in between all these important tasks, he's gotta work and save lives, not to mention patch up a few psyches.
Insomnia 2021 series reviewHis assistant Dina is the one keeping him afloat in this booze-fueled delirium, and she's married to a wealthy guy from the government (though he's more like a 90s bro).
Insomnia 2021 series review
Insomnia 2021 series reviewDespite being a pretty likable guy (in a human way), the brother is devotedly and selflessly in love with Dina, and Dina is devotedly and selflessly in love with Stahl.
Insomnia 2021 series reviewHe often gets her help not just as a personal manager and agent, but also as a culinary-erotic kind of thing.
Insomnia 2021 Series ReviewI really enjoyed watching Dina, the female lead - she's a down-to-earth, no-nonsense businesswoman who somehow manages to keep her life together, despite being overwhelmed by her personal and family issues.
Another standout character is Stahl's father.
Insomnia 2021 Series ReviewStahl's father is a well-respected, talented oncologist who's nearing retirement. Despite limited screen time, I found myself really invested in his character.
Insomnia 2021 Series ReviewEach episode delves into not only the main characters' lives, but also those of people they help along the way. While the first episode has a slightly mystical tone, the series as a whole is grounded in reality. Every episode is engaging in its own way.
Insomnia 2021 Series ReviewInsomnia 2021 Series ReviewInsomnia 2021 Series ReviewEvery single character in this series is well-developed - I found myself invested in each one. Sometimes I'd be watching a show and think, 'Okay, let's just get this over with.' But not here. Each character has their own story arc, and I found myself genuinely worried about what would happen to them.
I was hooked from start to finish, and the plot twists kept me on my toes. But at the same time, it never felt like it crossed the line into absurdity. It's all very well-balanced and thought out.
Insomnia 2021 Series ReviewAnd yet, you still won't quite understand what's going on or how it all ends.
My Verdict
Guys, I genuinely think this series is worth watching. I was left with a sad feeling after the last episode - I didn't want it to end. If you're a fan of detective shows, thrillers, or just like a good mystery, you'll love this.