Cinema & Music

Review of the series "Chemistry Between Us": love, death, and the incredible Sasha Bortich

Review of the series "Chemistry Between Us": love, death, and the incredible Sasha Bortich

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On April 17, the Wink online cinema premiered the final episode of the series "Between Us is Chemistry." This is the debut project of the Vodorod company, founded by Alexander Andryushchenko and Mikhail Vrubel, which previously only produced feature films. The series was directed by Karina Chuvikova, also a newcomer to the field. Film critic Timur Aliyev notes that the creators skillfully balance various genres, evoking deep empathy in viewers for the main character. The series has become a significant step for the company and a clear example of high-quality content on the Wink platform.

What is the series about?

The main character is Tatyana, played by Sasha Bortich. She works as a taxi driver and is a widow and single mother. She is the caretaker of her minor children: daughter Marta, played by Lyudmila Yulova, and son Vanya, played by Miron Provorov. Tatyana often works night shifts, and during this time, her sister Marina, played by Nelly Uvarova, looks after the children. On one of her trips, Tatyana encounters a drunk passenger with a head injury. She takes him to the emergency room but suddenly loses consciousness, which becomes a turning point in her life. This story raises important themes, such as the responsibility and difficulties faced by single mothers, as well as the unpredictability of life.

Doctor Dmitry Olegovich (Evgeny Sangadzhiev) sends Tatyana for an examination, suspecting acute leukemia, which is later confirmed. In the hospital corridors, she meets Borya (Nikita Efremov), a charming young man also struggling with this diagnosis. However, Tatyana is more concerned about the future of her children than her own health. It is impossible to trust their relatives, and there is no husband, which leaves the only option - an orphanage.

Actors Nikita Efremov (Kolya), Miron Provorov (Vanya) and Lyudmila Yulova (Marta) in the TV series "The Chemistry Between Us" Still: TV series "The Chemistry Between Us" / Vodorod Film Company / NMG Studio

Between chemotherapy sessions, Tatyana faces a difficult decision: who to look after her children with. She turns to her best friends, a married couple named Olga and Oleg, for help, but soon realizes their situation isn't as straightforward as she'd like. Meanwhile, Tatyana meets a charming suitor on a dating app—a gallant and intelligent man who, at first glance, seems like the perfect partner. However, his attractiveness conceals selfish intentions that could seriously impact the lives of Tatyana and her children.

In the house next door, Tatyana meets Sasha (Kuzma Kotrelev), a video game enthusiast and open to casual relationships. Another potential guardian for the children is Kolya (Nikita Efremov), Boris's twin brother, who has a completely different personality. While Borya was the life and soul of the party and supported Tanya in difficult times, Kolya, on the contrary, is a stifling, but at the same time reliable and responsible person. At the same time, time is running out: predicted to only have about a year left to live, the girl must move from words to actions to ensure the children's future.

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Kidney: The History of Kidney Failure and Heart Failure

Kidney failure is a serious condition in which the kidneys lose the ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. This leads to a buildup of toxic substances in the body and can cause various complications. Heart failure, in turn, is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively, resulting in insufficient blood supply to organs and tissues.

Historically, kidney failure has been known since ancient times, but its understanding and treatment have evolved significantly. In the 20th century, there was a breakthrough in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease, leading to an improvement in the quality of life for patients. Modern treatments, such as dialysis and kidney transplantation, have become the mainstays of treatment for this disease.

The connection between kidney and heart failure also deserves attention. Research shows that patients with kidney disease have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This is due to the fact that the kidneys and heart are interconnected and function as a single system. High blood pressure, anemia, and electrolyte imbalances that occur with renal failure can negatively affect heart function.

Thus, understanding the history and relationship between renal and heart failure is essential for developing effective treatment and prevention strategies for these diseases. Modern medicine continues to explore new approaches to provide high-quality treatment and improve the prognosis for patients suffering from these diseases.

Who did this

The director of the series, Karina Chuvikova, a graduate of the Industry Film School, worked as a store director before starting her film career. The idea for the series came to her when she came across comments on a famous person's social network. The comments told the story of a woman who faced a serious illness and did not know who to trust with her two children. This touching situation became the basis for the creation of a story that touches on important themes of motherhood, responsibility, and the struggle with difficulties.

Actors Alexandra Bortich (Tanya) and Evgeny Sangadzhiev (Dmitry Olegovich) in the TV series "The Chemistry Between Us" Still: TV series "The Chemistry Between Us" / Film Company "Hydrogen" / NMG Studio

The script was written in collaboration with Yulia Gulyan Chuvikova, known for her work on the project "Nika," and Evgenia Khripkova, creator of the series "Call DiCaprio!" The project's creative producer was Alina Tyazhlova, whose experience includes the successful films "Ice," "Attraction," and "Sputnik." The series was created in partnership with Vodorod with the support of NMG Studio, STS, and the Wink platform.

The first episodes of "The Chemistry Between Us" premiered at the 2024 New Season online cinema festival. Film critic Egor Moskvitin described the project as "a series with a conflict of unbearable weight and a performance of enchanting lightness." Kino TV editor Valeria Kosenko noted the "sentimentally ironic intonation" and "catchy dialogue," which make the plot even more appealing to viewers. The series received acclaim, winning two awards in the categories of "Heroine of the New Season" (Sasha Bortich) and "Discovery of the New Season" (Karina Chuvikova). "Chemistry Between Us" is a project that combines deep emotions and witty remarks, making it interesting for a wide audience.

What's so remarkable about the series

The series "Chemistry Between Us" could easily become another manipulative melodrama, making viewers shed tears in every episode. However, this is not the case. Karina Chuvikova's work is a harmonious blend of comedy, tragedy, and drama, covering both medical and family themes. The series captivates viewers with its original approach and the depth of its characters, making it unique in its genre.

The title of this work contains an ambiguity: on the one hand, chemotherapy as a method of fighting cancer, on the other, the chemistry that develops between people experiencing mutual attraction. The situation in which the heroine, Sasha Bortich, finds herself is easily imagined. However, the creators avoid overdramatization, avoiding the accumulation of horror, melancholy, and hopelessness. The concept is truly unusual: after learning of her terrible diagnosis, Tatyana begins to blossom, finding a new life and escaping the monotony of her existence. This turn of events underscores the importance of life and how tragedy can sometimes spark inner transformation.

Actress Alexandra Bortich (Tanya) in the TV series "The Chemistry Between Us" Still: TV series "The Chemistry Between Us" / Vodorod Film Company / NMG Studio

The visual palette of the series undergoes noticeable changes throughout its plot. Towards the final episodes, there is an increase in the amount of warm colors, which can be seen in various scenes, such as the courtyard, night lighting, and the village of Kolya and Borya's parents. Unlike the first episodes, where cool colors dominated, in the latter parts of the series, warm tones create a more cozy and emotionally rich atmosphere. These changes in the color palette emphasize the development of the characters and their story, adding depth and visual appeal.

Over time, the appearance of the main character changes. At the beginning of the series, she is shown with unkempt hair, a loose hoodie, and a cap. However, by the middle of the season, Tanya undergoes a significant transformation: her style includes makeup, well-groomed hairstyles, dresses, and neat shirts. This development of the image emphasizes her internal changes and growth as a character, which makes the plot more engaging for the viewers.

The topic of oncology in the work is presented with care and respect. Character deaths occur, but the screenwriters choose to downplay them and avoid detail, which allows for emotional depth without unnecessary drama. The plot develops dynamically, maintaining audience interest and avoiding drawn-out moments. Jump cuts play an important role in creating the plot's momentum, changing the tone of the same scene. These abrupt transitions from laughter to hysteria and back again help maintain viewer interest. Sad moments, such as bad test results, are balanced by occasional jokes about the incompatibility of chemotherapy and alcohol. The transition from a touching scene with a dog to Tanya's sad monologue at her husband's grave creates a profound contrast that heightens the emotional weight. These techniques add layers to the story and add a memorable feel, allowing the viewer to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their experiences.

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"Tango on the Shards" is a series that explores how people cope with grief and loss. The plot centers on characters on the brink and their attempts to find meaning in life after tragedy. Through the lens of various emotions and conflicts, the series explores the mistakes that can be made during the recovery process and the importance of support from others. "Tango on the Shards" captivates viewers not only with its gripping plot but also with its deep characters, who make them reflect on what it means to truly overcome grief. This project is an important contribution to contemporary cinema, raising relevant topics and offering viewers the opportunity to see how difficult moments can be (in)appropriately dealt with. "Chemistry Between Us" stands out from the standard stories about finding the ideal partner, which often becomes the primary goal of a woman's life. The main character is not an accessory to a man, but an independent and harmonious individual. She faces difficult circumstances but finds the strength to overcome them. This film emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-realization, showing that true happiness is not dependent on having a partner, but rather is formed within oneself.

Series in recent years, such as "A Woman in a Divorce" (Kion), "Morozko" (Okko), and "Eva, Give Birth!" (Start), explore completely different themes. In these works, the female character is often presented in a role where her value depends on her status as a married woman and mother. This creates a stereotype that a woman cannot be a complete person without these social roles. Thus, the series raise important questions about the role of women in society and how traditional norms influence the perception of female potential.

The radical transformation of the main character, along with the romantic complexities, makes "Chemistry Between Us" a unique interpretation of the phrase "If you want to live, you have to be able to move." Possible references for this project include the indie film "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl," which tells the story of the awkward friendship of film-loving high school students with a girl suffering from a serious illness, or the dramedy "Life Is Beautiful," in which Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character goes through all the stages of accepting his difficult diagnosis. This connection highlights the emotional depth and complexity of the relationships the characters face, making the film relevant and resonant with modern audiences.

Actors Kuzma Kotrelev (Sasha) and Alexandra Bortich (Tanya) in the TV series "The Chemistry Between Us" Still: TV series "The Chemistry Between Us" / Vodorod Film Company / NMG Studio

The film's soundtrack effectively conveys the atmosphere, balancing between light and dark moments, hope and disappointment. Tanya's dizzying adventures, spanning chemotherapy, everyday life, dates and taxi rides, are accompanied by music by such artists as Masha and the Bears, L'One, Bazar, Beautiful Boys and Cream Soda. The music organically complements the feeling of fragility and confusion that the main character faces in her world.

Total

Karina Chuvikova's book is a gripping and emotional story about love overcoming the fear of death. The main character, played by Sasha Bortich, evokes deep affection and empathy in the audience throughout the plot. Without Bortich, the film would lose its uniqueness: the actress's natural presence and skill make her character feel alive and authentic, while simultaneously evoking conflicting emotions—irritation and harmony. You want to share joy and sorrow with her, hug her and assure her that everything will work out. This story about love and life can touch you deeply, making you reflect on the importance of human relationships and the power of emotions.

This series isn't about the search for true love, or about support in difficult times, or even about the fight against cancer, although after each episode you'll see a QR code that leads to the Onkologika foundation for cancer patients. Karina Chuvikova's project is ultimately about how difficult it is for people to tell uncomfortable truths—both to themselves and to their loved ones. Only by accepting reality can you move forward and live a full life. Masks, lies, and omissions only distract from true feelings and experiences. This series encourages viewers to consider the importance of honesty and openness in relationships, making it relevant and profound.

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Dad passed away on Saturday: the struggle between love and violence. This is an important topic that touches on many aspects of life. The loss of a loved one is always a difficult test, and in the context of violence, it exacerbates the problems that families face. In such situations, love and support become key elements in overcoming grief. It's important to consider how emotional connection and care can help people cope with difficulties and rebuild their lives after a tragedy. This topic requires a careful approach and deep understanding to help those who find themselves in a similar situation.

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