Russian Doll (TV Series) Ariadne (2019) User Reviews

Season One Review.

[southdavid · 8/10 · 21 February 2019]

I'm going to review this as "season one" as although it feels like it could be a self-contained series, the fact it's been such a phenomenon means that a second season (even if they just use the premise to tell a different story) is at least highly likely.

The show is about two characters, Nadia (Natasha Lyonne) and Alan (Charlie Barnett) who find that they are repeating a night of their lives on a loop, bookended by them dying. For Nadia, it's the night of her birthday party, thrown by her friend Maxine (Greta Lee) but for Alan it's the night he discovered that his fiancée Beatrice (Dascha Polanco) has been cheating on him.

There's lots to admire with "Russian Doll", there really is. Initially I was concerned about how the premise would stretch to a series, when it seems unlikely that a 90 minute film would truly be able to - but through a series of flashbacks and some inventive evolutions as the loops occur they do manage to make the series compelling and arrive at a conclusion that feels natural and satisfying. It's also, pretty funny. It's not a conventional comedy, it's very much a dark one whether it's the frequent deaths or in interactions with homelessness, drug taking or mental illness. I'd also agree with some of the other reviewers that have suggested that it gets better as the series goes on, investment in the characters does increase - particularly as Nadia and Alan become more of a double act and try to work out if there's a way out of their situation.

Despite the supporting characters with recognisable faces throughout the show (particularly if you watch plenty of Netflix) it's impossible to deny that this is very much Natasha Lyonne's show and it's an astonishing central performance of wit, pathos and capability that you hope should lead on to her finally getting the bigger roles she's deserved for a while.

If there is more, then I do look forward to it, but as a contained series it works really well.

Life is like a box of timelines

[bosporan · 9/10 · 10 April 2022]

Opens to dual music, dual bathrooms and mirrored action between Nadia and Alan. The mirrors and people return, so too Alan's ring and goldfish. Clearly something has changed about this resurrection involving duality.

We quickly learn there are now dichotomous timelines. Having slain the Minotaur of time, each must become Ariadne to help the other's Theseus escape the Labyrinth. Together they are trapped by the horns of duality; Nadia must escape fear (mother's death), and Alan love ( hopelessness relationship).

A well-rounded closure with props to Natasha Lyonne who wrote, directed and starred in this - nearly as narcissistic as her character ;-)

Ariadne

[bobcobb301 · 7/10 · 7 February 2019]

So that was not really the ending I expected or was hoping for, but I won't deny this was a fun ride for 8 episodes.

Russian Doll had me hooked from start to finish and the door is actually open here for more episodes if they want to do it.

This is my first review ever because I love it so much

[emilyarmstrong351 · 10/10 · 11 February 2019]

I do not want to give anything away but I've watched it three times and honestly it's now one of my top favorite works of fiction. It's so human. The women, especially Natasha Lyonne, behind creating this story are brilliant. I know for a fact I will re watch it more over the years.

Speechless.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 16 February 2019]

This series has had be gripped, captivated, moved and totally entertained. The previous episode, and this concluding part are the best of the series in my opinion. This last part was just incredible, wonderfully clever, smart, and had you captive til the very last minute.

It was bursting with energy, superbly acted, and utterly, utterly original. Many will say it has a Black Mirror vibe, naturally so, think Black Mirror meets Triangle.

This was just outrageously good. 10/10

A Glorious Finale

[DVD_Connoisseur · 10/10 · 17 February 2019]

One of my many bugbears is that a lot of series don't know how to end. This is the exception. "Ariadne" is a glorious, emotional, sincere and gripping slice of television.

From the word go, there is a positive energy and glow that envelops the viewer. This is intelligent storytelling, brave and ingenious.

Just a joy to watch, this is a 10 out of 10 episode.

Nothing else to say: Just love it.

[nyjohm · 10/10 · 3 September 2019]

I don't want to talk about "blablabla, it's one of the greatest series ever..." because it sets up to much expectations... But neither if I want to talk about this or not - there is no other way to put it - it's one of the greatest series I've ever seen. I already enjoyed it like 10 times and everytime I see it, I see more: more in the story line, more fun, more sadnes, more that is a reference to my own life. I really hope you are reading this review AFTER you watched it to find out, if other people feel like you. If your experience is different... I can understand if this (maybe little bit strange content) is not appealing to everyone. But this series makes me smile, laugh and cry everytime I see it. I just love it.

A rarity

[GraXXoR · 10/10 · 24 March 2023]

It's rare that a show these days will finish in a self-contained fashion without some tawdry cliffhanger enticing the viewers on to the next series.

This is where a show of this refined calibre should have stopped, and remained, like Life On Mars (UK Version) at the very pinnacle of its game.

Instead, we get to witness the show fall into disrepute, like Altered Carbon and American Gods with their so-called "difficult second album."

All in all, this was an absolute corker of a show. Top notch acting, tight script, colourful characters... the whole caboodle.

For me, this show is 8 episodes long and finishes on a rare, high note.

Great show

[Cherrybooser-145-707617 · 10/10 · 13 August 2019]

T thought it was an Unique show. Well thought out and acted. I enjoyed watching it

Ariadne

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 26 November 2019]

I thought the first season finale might go for a more conventional time travelling explanation as to how Nadia and Alan deal with their time loop.

I was pleasantly surprised that the answer was not as easy as both of them imagined.

Nadia and Alan reset to their starting points. However there are in two parallel timelines. Alan has to save the original Nadia from being hit by a car, Nadia needs to do the same with a desperate Alan who might just jump from a rooftop.

I thought it was rather inventive and also loopy. A real tour de force by Natasha Lyonne who directs, stars and co wrote the last episode of the series 1.

Rusian doll( Ariadne)

[jonascepas · 10/10 · 6 December 2020]

I am reviewing the "Russian doll" 1th season 8th episode. This serial is interesting. The idea itself is very interesting and perfectly executed. Netflix american drama- comedy tv show.

So the actors pick very well. The lead actress "Nadia" is a true Russian. The series follows Nadia Vulvokov, a game developer who repeatedly dies and relives the same night in an ongoing time loop and tries to solve it, leading to her finding Alan Zaveri in the same situation (portrayed by Charlie Barnett). It also stars Greta Lee, Yul Vazquez, and Elizabeth Ashley.

So when they think everything is over, they will no longer die, and will be able to live as always. They understand that they are in different time zones and see each other but do not know and have to prove that they are familiar. it looks confusing, but believe me, it looks like it does. when they prove that they are familiar. at the end nadia goes to a carnival where the same girls as nadia go and it's all over.

So in my opinion, this was a series of the most bizarre things that had taken place and had the most action. so I appreciate 8/10 of all the watched series. I liked this the most.