Original subtitles

THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

VERA KINCHEVA YURIY BYKOV

OLESYA ZHELEZNYAK ALEKSANDR LAZAREV JR.

SVETLANA NEMOLYAEVA

IRADA ZEYNALOVA NELLY POPOVA

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY IVAN ALIMOV

PRODUCTION DESIGNER OLGA NIKITINA

COMPOSER SERGEY VERKHOVTSEV

EDITOR NATALYA KUCHERENKO

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER DANILA YAKOVLEV

PRODUCTION MANAGER POLINA IVANOVA

CREATIVE PRODUCER ELINA BORTOVAYA

GENERAL PRODUCER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

VLAD FURMAN

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY

POLINA LAZAREVA

CHAIKA

I thought you wouldn't come.

Well, I said I’d come at 9 p.m.

Well, you say all sorts of things.

Is something wrong?

No, everything is as usual.

I got us something sweet for tea - for me not to come empty-handed.

Please forgive me.

I’m not going to drive you mad.

I just thought that we could talk.

I mean, just talk.

Yeah, sure. People do talk now and then.

Yes.

Well?

Are we going to sort it out now? Or later?

Later? When?

Exactly. Let’s do it later.

Why are we seeing each other so rarely?

So! Please list all your complaints

so that I could respond to all the points in one go.

You show up in my life twice a month

and only to... to... to...

And then you just leave in an unknown direction

for an unknown period of time, and I...

I’ve never been to your place.

I don't have your phone number.

We’ve gone for a walk only once. In some neighborhood. Well...

It just looks like...

I’m sorry.

Listen, I understand. If it looks to you like...

disrespect or exploitation... it’s not true.

I’m very fond of you.

But if it looks the way it looks...

and it does look like...

like that...

In short, I have a really bad character.

I’m sorry.

I’ll tell you even more.

- I’m really sorry. - No, I’m really sorry!

I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.

Finish working on your novel.

And then we’ll talk. Of course, if you want to.

Wait. As you’ve just fairly noted,

it can’t go on like this anymore.

I don’t know if I’m a good or bad person, but...

I do know that I can be honest.

The most honest thing to do now is...

to stop playing games with the girl.

And leave her in peace.

I don’t get it.

Listen, I realize that I might look

comfortable and calm saying these things.

But I’m actually not feeling calm.

I’m feeling really bad.

Jesus! What are you doing? It’s... it’s not fair!

Look, I can do nothing.

You’re just not saying anything.

Open your mouth.

What?

Open your mouth...

OK, I got it.

- I’d better go. - No!

You...

I don’t understand what you want!

Hello?

- Oh, I’m so sorry. I... - It’s fine. Let me help you.

I forgot to turn the tap off. Is your place badly flooded?

We were planning to renovate it anyway.

How’s your tormentor?

By the way, I heard quite a nasty rumor about him.

What rumor? Where?

I have a student, Tanya,

who publishes insanely long posts

on social media. I never manage to read

this nonsense through to the end. So, Tanya told me

she was offered to have

her work published in an anthology of women’s prose.

I was shocked. I found out that the compiler of this collection

had been making sexual advances to her for 3 months.

Of course, he’s saying that it’s a serious relationship

and that he’s going to propose to her. So?

Can you guess who this lustful compiler is?

Who?

Who? Your genius Valentin Chaika.

He’s a real asshole.

I didn't expect that even from him.

He’s like some kind of... cinematic villain.

Really. She’s 15. He’ll go to jail for pedophilia.

Hey, do you have a dream?

Well, all girls dream of getting married.

What about you?

Do you only need a serious relationship or...?

And here’s Alina thinking, “Should I tell him or not?

If I say that I need only a serious relationship

Chaika will go away. And if I don’t, it’s also kind of...”

Alina, what do you need a husband for?

All husbands are unfaithful.

Really?

Yes.

All this relationship stuff, all this “love me, love me not”...

It’s only for one thing.

Jesus... You scared me.

This has happened to me since I was a kid.

Look, let’s call an ambulance anyway.

Are you crazy? I don’t need it.

- I'll just lie down for a bit. - Careful.

I’ll be fine.

Don’t hide your pain. Don’t ignore it.

It’s going to be... painful and scary.

But let it in and...

Is it Tanya?

Yeah, Tanya Kruglova. How do you know her?

Feed your pain to him...

She is still a child.

And then eat an avocado. Do you like avocados?

When he was compiling this anthology he told me about Harvey Weinstein.

I hate him. I could kill him with my own hands.

Where are you going? You have just fainted.

I’m having a concert today.

So what? Cancel it.

I can’t! It’s my only job. And it acts as some kind of distraction.

At least let me give you a ride.

Oh! That’s a good idea! Let’s go.

Hello, Mr. Chaika.

Why so formal? We’re not in the editorial office.

And it's unethical of you to remind me of my age.

I feel bad for being late

and for having not much time left,

so let’s get down to business.

- What business? - When will I get paid?

I wouldn't be so hasty if I were you.

I have to be in a perinatal center with my husband in 20 minutes.

- So, you’re married? - Yes. I got married,

and the next day I learnt that I was pregnant.

So... It’s our first ultrasound scan today.

Oh. Just a moment. I need to make a call.

OK.

Unfortunately, I have to go to the publishing house. It’s urgent.

- I’m sorry. - What about my fee?

Call the editorial office.

Alina? What happened?

Nothing.

- Are you nuts? - What?

- You’ve a wife and 3 kids! - They’re in Sochi!

Hello. Did you by chance write “A Man Who Didn't Love Anyone”?

Yes, I did.

Oh wow! I really enjoyed it!

It’s a really cool book.

Let me tell you that I was struck

by the power of this book with the accuracy of Leo Tolstoy.

It’s pleasant to hear. Please continue.

Did you write anything else?

I’ve written quite a few books. You can look them up online.

My most recent novel is called “Humbert Humbert”.

I’ve just figured out who you are

and become uninterested in you.

Do you think I wasn’t angry at you? I was. I’m a normal human being.

Those socks. They’ll go perfectly with your sandals.

Come back, will you?

I love you so much.

Am I experiencing déjà vu or is there a flood again?

No, I’m washing the sink. Don’t ask.

Look, what my dear student Tanya gave me.

Wow!

- It’s just perfect for dinner. - That girl will go far! Well done.

Come on in.

BEWARE OF THE DOG!

So, how are you? You’ve been better?

I've never been better.

I’m sorry, I’m a bit tired today.

- Do you... - What?

Do you always last so long in bed?

And... How do you know all these things?

There's more that I know.

Again? You’re so insatiable. Wait.

I don’t like waiting.

I’ll definitely read it! Thanks for your reply! Good night!

Yeah, it’s a good night. It came quickly and unexpectedly.

Valentin! I called the editorial office. They told me to ask you about my fee.

Just look at him. How could he dress up like that?

Yeah, it’s insane. What a dandy.

That’s a hot look.

Hot.

Enough. Stop it.

He could make beautiful children...

I wonder what your mother would say about him.

I know. That he’s crazy.

Although she believes that anyone who doesn’t

kiss my footsteps is crazy.

Actually, you know, I absolutely agree with her.

- And who’s that? - His brother.

Actually, he’s handsome.

You could have kids by him. - Olya!

I don’t want his brother to be the father!

Who do you want then? This one?

Hey...

Come on. Hey, I’ve got an idea.

Let’s get into his apartment and set it on fire.

Let’s. But I don’t know where he lives.

What do you mean you don't know where he lives?

Hold on. I saw something. Oh!

“What a coincidence. I’m living in a house

where my favorite poet died.”

So, shall we set it on fire?

He’s so handsome.

Good morning to the great writer.

I hope you slept well.

I didn't get a wink of sleep because of you.

I’m absolutely in love with all your characters.

And, first and foremost, with their author.

Hello, Masha! How are you?

I stayed up all night reading. I think you’re a genius.

I can't believe that the hand

that wrote this work is writing to me now.

You know, I’m very sociable.

Don’t hesitate to talk to me if you want to.

I’m not sociable at all. I guess I need to learn from you.

- How do you do? - You know, I’m finishing

a vast novel. It’s just massive. And very good.

Once I’m done, I’ll start a new one. I haven’t written anything in 3 years.

I’ve been idle for too long.

I’ll invite you for a coffee soon. And maybe we’ll get talking,

if you say yes.

I agree to have a coffee with you.

I need to try and get you to sign a book for me.

But I will rarely be in Saint Petersburg this summer.

I’m living in Moscow now. But I often come here.

I’m finishing reading “Gray-Eyed Grief”. I really enjoy it.

I feel like I’m in contact with the sublime.

Books mean nothing.

Contact with a real writer is much better.

But you can decide that for yourself. May I ask how you are?

I've been better. After all, young girls

don’t text strange adult men in the middle of the night

for no reason.

Strange adult men...

No, I don’t think we’re strange to each other.

I feel that we are well-acquainted,

paying close attention to each other.

At least I am paying close attention.

I’ll surely give you a book. Any of them.

Thank you for your words about the novel.

I’ll text you in autumn.

I won’t be in Saint Petersburg in the summer either.

So, don’t be sad.

You’re amazing.

- What’s with you? - Nothing. Why?

You have dark circles under your eyes.

My eyes are just fine, Mom. Hi.

Hello.

She has a fever. Touch her forehead. It’s hot.

It’s not.

Sergey!

She has no fever. She has dark circles

because she works at night.

Sergey, she’s a girl!

Alina, we need to talk.

Have you got into drugs?

What?

Don’t lie to me. I can see that something is happening to you.

I’m fine, Mom. Really.

- Why did you lose weight? - Because I’m jogging.

You did jog before, but you had puffy cheeks.

- I still have them. - No!

Yes! OK, I’m just eating less.

Why is it burnt?

You didn’t do that before.

Look, I won't leave you alone. I... I’m your mother!

OK, Mom, I’ll tell you what happened, but promise me

that you won’t bother me with questions.

Have I ever done that?

- You always do. - Tell me.

- I lost weight... Oh, quite tasty... - I... Tell me!

Because I fell in love with the wrong man.

You fell in love?

With the wrong man? So, this love is draining you? Alina.

I’m not going to say anything else.

Right! So, who is he? Tell me who he is.

Please leave me alone.

Sasha, please go.

- Why? - We have no time for you now.

- Stop wearing shoes at home. - They’re absolutely clean.

Who’s going to wash the floor? You?

Your dad thinks that you swallowed a tapeworm.

A tapeworm?

I think she’s taking Thai weight-loss pills.

Sasha, go!

Who is this idiot? Tell me his age, his profession

and where you met him.

- No questions. You promised. - OK, I’ll be quiet.

Alina, you need to distract yourself.

Find someone else.

By the way, how is Vasya?

Vasya? He has three kids.

I’m not telling you to make him abandon his family.

Just go out with him. Have a coffee together.

And then what?

And then say, “Vasya, I just really want a baby.”

- Mom! What are you saying? - OK, OK, I’ll be quiet...

If you get pregnant your dad and I... Sasha, tell her.

- We’ll help you raise the kid. - Yes, actually, we will...

We are ready for it.

- I’m leaving. - We’re done.

Go.

Mom!

Look. What do you want? Go ask your dad.

Why are you asking me? Don’t walk around the flat with a ball.

- It brings bad luck. - Alina!

Jeez! Sergey!

Is he going to see Albina?

Albina? No way! He’s going to our country house with his dad!

Talk by writer Valentin Chaika.

The author spoke about his artistic journey,

his attitude to modern literature,

and commented on the scandal that broke out

at the Major Form Award ceremony.

I'm well aware of the place

award holders occupy in modern Russian literature

and of the place occupied by me. So, with all due respect

that I used to have, the opinion of the award committee

no longer matters to me.

Watch a big interview with the writer

on our channel tonight...

What? Valentin Chaika? Come on, Alina. He’s crazy.

- Who’s this Valentin Chaika? - But, Dad... I’m a good driver.

Ask Vova!

- He’s a writer. - What Vova are you talking about?

Is he a driving expert? Let’s get going!

- Come with us! - I can’t today.

Come on. Seriously? No-one can today?

OK, I’ll go there alone.

No, take Mom with you. Take your car.

And let me use Mom’s.

Here! Go see your Albina.

- Thank you! - Go, go!

I’m against it.

Thank you. Don’t you recognize me?

You look very familiar.

Have I really grown so old?

Anya. Jesus...

- Hi. Hi. - It's been a long time!

- Hi. - Is this your child?

Yes. It’s my son. Valya, say hi.

Hello!

You were so... I mean...

You still look great.

In short, back then you were out of this world.

That was another life.

There was a time when I was beautiful, yet silly.

And now I’m smart, yet... Well, you can see it yourself.

Yeah...

No, now...

- If only we knew how things would go. - Well, at least you have a family.

No. I’m divorced.

Well, you’re not alone. Look, you have a lovely kid.

You know, life is hard for him without a father.

I read that you’re still not married.

No.

I’m sorry.

You know, I’m not sorry. I’m even grateful to you.

I actually became a writer to make you like me.

I’ve become so... sentimental.

Excuse me for a moment. I need to fix myself up.

Mom said you used to be friends.

What else did she say?

If you become friends again, we’ll move in to live with you.

Tell your mom that I had some urgent business to do.

God bless you! Do you have any spare change, sir?

- I don’t have cash. - Can you do electronic payments?

I’m reading “Humbert. Humbert” now.

I have a question. You’re quite likely to write about yourself.

What’s more about you?

“Humbert...” or “A Man Who Didn't Love Anyone”?

It’s an interesting question. I haven’t thought about it.

Everything that I write is,

to some degree, filled with my inner world.

In this respect each new book exposes me.

However, I can’t say that they are about me,

that storylines are taken from my own life.

I’m not telling readers about myself.

I’m engaged in a frank dialogue with myself... and...

May all the girls ignore your cock!

There is something murderous about love.

Eros love tends

to subdue or displace everything else.

There is tyranny and slavery.

And most despotic is female love that demands everything.

Traffic jams are nice.

They provide the opportunity to look into each other’s eyes.

Fine, the back of the head is OK too.

There is another kind of love.

The descending love. The love that gives,

not demands. Agape love is not self-seeking.

It gives out of the fullness of the heart.

Agape love is connecting with another person

in the dark and godforsaken world.

While Eros love demands mutuality,

Mercy love doesn’t require it.

That’s its value and its power. In Eros in its pure form

both the loving one and the loved one are slaves.

Erotic love can be merciless and cruel.

It commits great violence.

300 rubles.

The land near the monastery was covered

with an endless dense carpet of grass.

It had long been called a bad place.

Nobody knew why, and those

who knew were long gone, and there was no-one to ask.

I forgive you for everything. Actually, there’s nothing to forgive.

Love knows no evil. I’ll follow you to the ends of the world

if you let me follow you...

Nastya stretched out her hands to the old monk’s habit.

No, guys, it’s fucking too much.

Are you trying to embarrass me? I think I even blushed.

It suits you. I thought

you couldn’t look better, but I was mistaken.

Let’s get back to the interview.

In your novel “Humbert. Humbert”,

the protagonist is suffering from love for a young woman

who is stupid and uneducated.

Is it a satire on young people who are glued to their gadgets

and know nothing about life and the history of their country?

How often do you have to deal

with the infantile nature of the twentysomethings?

As often as I have to deal with the twentysomethings.

Do you think these young people can perceive the depth

and irony of your creative work? Who do you write for?

What’s the target audience of your novels?

I write for young and beautiful ladies.

Does it mean that beauty drives your creative process?

I can say that thanks to this interview

I’m motivated enough to get involved with a new story.

So, now...

When I’m awake I keep thinking if I’m a genius or not.

Of course you’re a genius.

OK then.

Since I’m a genius, I’ll go and write something... decent.

You could have said it yourself.

It looks like I was fishing for compliments.

Do you really have to go?

See, I’m dressed already.

Oh, you really have to go then.

Oh, that’s a good idea.

I need to work.

Hop!

Will you see me off to the gate?

I bought boots the other day.

Made of faux leather. If they hadn’t told me

I would never have believed it.

Easy, easy.

So many kisses. I’m embarrassed. I have to think about it.

Have you ever tied a red scarf like the one Soviet Pioneers wore?

What?

Ah, no, you’re too young for that.

I can do it even if you wake me up at night.

Be prepared!

Vasya, can we meet? Yes, right now!

Where are you? Yes, I’m here. OK, I’m sending you the location.

CHAOS THEORY

- Are you alone? - No.

The kitchen is closing in five minutes. Would you like anything?

VALENTIN

Red wine. Dry. Any kind. Double.

Hi.

Hi.

What’s this place? A restaurant?

A restaurant, yes.

I see. Why are you alone?

I'm not alone, you’re here.

Oh, right. Great. Call me anytime

if you’re sad. I’ll come. If I can, of course.

Check, please.

How about ordering something?

The kitchen's closed. Here, drink my wine.

OK, got it.

Well, what are we going to do?

- I booked a room. - What for?

Oh, um... Let's go to the room then.

There must be something in the mini-bar.

Why did you book the room? You live nearby.

I don't want to do it at home.

- Will you spend the night in the room? - Vasya, I don't know.

So, you booked the room here.

Cool! Not bad indeed, you live to the fullest.

Wow. Got it.

Should we?

If you don't want to, I'm not forcing you.

No, I do. I really do.

I don't know what's wrong with me.

It was just so... unexpected.

- Plus I had a drink with Herka. - No, it's fine. It happens.

If you wait a bit, I can try again.

No-no, thanks. Once is enough.

Look...

How come you don't have a boyfriend?

- You're so great. - I don’t know.

Oh. It's really nice here.

I wish I could stay here with you. And cuddle.

Are you crying?

No.

Well, forgive me.

But you know I can't abandon the kids.

Jesus...

I’m a really bad person. I’m sorry, forgive me!

Look, it's OK, it happens.

We shouldn't have, then. Are they in Sochi?

- No, at home. - What?

What? My wife let me go out for drinks, with Herka.

Tomorrow I’m a househusband.

Herka called me 16 times.

You realize that I gotta go, right?

- I do. Go. - I’ll go.

Look. Actually, I can stay if I’m with Herka.

- What? - I'll have an alibi!

I can call him and we'll spend the night all together here!

- No, go. - No? I'll go then.

Are you sure?

It's your call. We could drink some wine, it'll be fun.

No. Go.

- Yeah? - Yeah.

OK. Bye.

Good morning! What did you dream about?

Hello, nana.

Hello, dear, come on in!

I'd appreciate, however, if you stopped calling me that.

How should I call you?

Call me Svetlana.

OK.

Come here, take a seat.

My name means "light".

It emanates only warmth, kindness and harmony.

Warmth and kindness. Do you feel it?

Yeah, I feel hot already, nana... Oops!

Uh-oh! Your soul is dark.

Nah, I’m already fine.

Really? Don't worry.

Me and Alphonse will figure something out.

Tell me, what did you

want to be as a child? You had a dream, right?

- A welder. - Oh, yes! Yes-yes. Of course,

I completely forgot.

A welder! Why did you give up on your childhood dream?

I didn't give up on it, it's just...

Excuse me. Excuse me,

but aren't you the one

who fixed the downspout in the neighborhood?

I’m telling you, it's her! See? I recognized you at once!

We've been following your career path.

You’re really the successor of a dynasty,

and we are your long-time fans.

Thank you, your support is our main fuel!

Sorry for such a bold request.

May we have a picture taken with you?

Of course!

Could you take a picture of us?

Sure.

You know, I changed my mind.

No welding? It's totally fine.

You can set yourself a completely different goal.

And go for it. Go for your dream.

Go. Go.

Go. Go. Come on, go now.

- Oh, should I go? - Go, go.

Alright, thanks, nan... Svetlana.

IN THIS HOUSE LIVED THE WRITER

VSEVOLOD GARSHIN.

Tell me something. Can you live like a normal person?

Like how?

Like, I don't know. Get a job. Get married.

You'll have no time for depression.

“Never yet have I found the woman by whom I should like to have children,

for I love thee, O Eternity!”

What? Who told you such nonsense?

“Thus Spoke Zarathustra”.

Ugh, god, you're so...

Look, it's not for me. I’m incapable of having a relationship.

You have no damn idea

what you're capable or incapable of.

Don’t tell me about the joys of marriage.

You can't leave your apartment without permission.

- But I’m here, right beside you. - Great.

- Great. Can we go now? - One sec.

- Who is that? - Work.

Give me that. Wow...

A young friend. Not bad, she's pretty...

- Well, yeah. - Where did you find her?

Believe it or not, she showed up herself.

Alright, you drive, and I'll text her.

Traffic Police Sergeant Stepan Abramov.

Alina.

- Why did you not fasten your seatbelt? - I... um...

Papers, please.

One sec.

I... I forgot to take them.

Please have a good look.

No.

- Has she replied yet? - Taking her time. A proud one.

Everything I’ve just told you

may sound like nonsense, because you don't know

two important facts yet. First,

my birthday is on the same day as his brother's.

Of course, he didn’t tell me that himself.

I did a little digging. But the most surprising

thing is that... It will knock your socks off...

His birthday is on the same day

as my cousin's. Do you think it’s a coincidence?

No! It's a sign from above that we are meant to be together!

It can't be any other way!

Have you started filming?

- Yes. - Are you filming?

OK.

Hello, my dear subscribers!

In this blog, you often ask me,

"What is the best device for going on a treasure hunt?"

What is treasure? That’s right!

It is gold, precious coins and so on.

So. Today I'll give you a philosophical answer.

You don't need a device, you need a hunter.

And who is the hunter?

That’s right. The one who uses his head!

What's so funny, Valentin? What's so funny?

Actually, Valentin,

I realized the meaning of life when little Stepan was born.

How do I explain this?

Well, children, they...

Look, your Masha... She’s an alright girl, isn't she?

So, why don’t she give birth to my nephews?

And knock some sense into you.

Quiet! Have you heard it?

Here!

This sound came straight from the ground. It’s clear, metallic.

Incredible.

Here, right here!

A shell!

It's somewhere here.

There it is! There it is, my treasure! There it is. Soviet!

Or even... even older.

We'll go further now,

to a plowed field. You can find lots of stuff there.

But let’s do it fast. Before the detector's battery dies.

See, it's already blinking. Let’s go.

Aren't you tired? It must be heavy.

You're probably right.

It's time to take a rest.

It's you again! You always ruin everything.

Sorry, sorry. Please continue! Continue.

Who is that?

Valentin!

Valentin, wake up! Rise and shine. She replied, congratulations!

What is she saying?

Huh, she's saying she wants lots of children.

What? Give it to me! What did you write?

I definitely like her.

- What am I supposed to do now? - I don't know.

Send her some flowers.

Tell her to come by already. As soon as possible.

But don't send it right now.

Too late. I've sent it.

She says, "Please, don't send me flower pictures."

Valentin! I meant real flowers, delivery, you know.

Sorry, Alina, such is our job.

Yes, I understand. It's OK.

- Do you need a ride? - Oh, no. I’ve some business to do here.

- Well, good luck. - Thank you!

- He'll come back. - Really?

You'll see, he surely will.

OK. Thank you. Bye!

Open up! Valentin!

Who are you looking for?

Valentin Chaika.

He's not home.

I told you, he’s not here!

Stress is bad for me!

What about me, huh?

Stop it, young lady, or I'll call the police!

Sweetie, are you pregnant?

Oh God! Come with me. Come. Let's go to my place.

Let's go, dear. We'll have a cup of tea.

What are you doing here?

Good heavens, it's almost night. Why on earth are you all here?

Yes, you were right, you told me so.

Olya, please. Stop nagging me like an old biddy.

I feel like I'm starting to let go.

I don't care anymore.

I even caught myself thinking,

"I’m ashamed of myself

for getting involved with such an idiot." Yes.

And, by the way, it's happening even earlier than you predicted.

I'll call you back.

- Hello, did you order a pizza? - Damn it. I didn't.

I finished reading” Weakness". I'm afraid we can't be together.

Yes, I'll be there soon. Well, play something. Bye.

- Are you leaving? - No, actually, I've just returned.

Hello.

- Hello. - May I come in?

Come in.

I’m sorry for coming uninvited.

May I sit down beside you?

Why are you here, huh?

Not happy to see me, are you?

Sorry, I had to think about it all

to make a decision. I want to be honest with you.

- Did you think carefully? - Yeah, I weighed the pros and cons.

And?

- Do you want me to marry you? - What?

Are you s-s-serious? S-sorry, I'm just b-being nervous.

I guess I am, too. I might look calm,

but it's not true.

It might look like I’m cutting off your leg,

but it's not like that at all! Quite the contrary!

Even if it looks the way it looks.

Lonely people,

Raindrops on the windowsill.

Lonely tears,

Lovers are lonely still.

Lonely souls,

Lonely dreams that,

Despite gloomy weather,

Two can be lonely together.

Wishful dreams

Made a ruined heart lose track

He forgot that wings

Will not grow on a slumped back.

Faded fresco

Will remind him yet again,

Of two lonely souls

Who together forgot the pain.

Hi. Can you meet me right now?

OK, brother, tell me everything.

I'll have the same.

There’s nothing to tell.

Wait. You called me. Told me you feel low.

I rushed here. I haven’t even told my wife.

Sorry.

What happened?

Look, I don't see any point

in telling you anything, because it will only

make things awkward the next time we meet.

Let's just drink.

I don't want to sound dramatic,

but I feel dead inside.

And you, Masha, are ignoring my messages.

So I’m walking here alone, recording this audio message.

And you’re just ignoring me, bitch!

Please, Masha, forgive me.

You are... the only person...

the only one who understands me.

No-one else does.

Please. Let’s talk.

You can't leave until the plate is clean.

Mom?

Is there anything you’d like to share with me?

I don't understand.

You can be with her.

With whom?

DELETE FOR ME

VALENTIN: CAN I CALL YOU?

- Hi. - Hi.

How are you?

I genuinely want to know.

- Oh, really? - Are you home?

I can come by, if you want.

Hi.

Come in.

- You want something? - You know what.

Coffee or tea?

- Tea, if you don't mind. - I don't.

You know, I've been to Yaroslavl. Got you a chocolate bar.

There is a factory there. They have all kinds of chocolate,

even some gold ones.

Why didn’t you bring the gold one then?

Huh?

It was more expensive.

FORGIVE ME

Well, the best gift is

the hand-made one, so here!

Why are you here?

Looks like you hate me.

Alina, you can do whatever you want,

but don't hate me.

Hate is a long way off.

One step?

Well?

You know... in my lifetime, I've made a lot of mistakes.

Such is my life. Even now I’m not sure

whether I’m right or wrong,

but I think that nothing we do is wrong.

So there is no right or wrong. This is what I think.

Too complicated.

Don't forget that I was born when you were finishing school.

I didn't even see the Olympic Bear fly.

You know, I could argue that you’re not

as good at mocking as I am, but I don't want to.

Because sometimes you have

to stop mocking others and face your fears...

Sorry, I’m really sorry.

It's OK.

You're such a little girl, you know.

Not, like, physically, I mean... childish.

Go away.

- Do you really want me to go? - I do.

OK.

- Do you still love me? - No!

Careful, careful... Does it hurt?

G-give me a tissue...

Take it. There’s blood. Do you have ice or something frozen?

In the freezer.

Look, you don't have ice here.

There’s a chicken. Frozen.

Here, use it.

It looks good on you, you know. Do you want me to take a photo?

No.

Sorry. I’m sorry, I’m spitting nonsense.

I’m a jerk, and...

I’m sorry I fell asleep. I’m just working work a lot,

sleeping for only two hours.

Go home then, sleep.

I'm sorry.

No, it's really fine.

Go, get some sleep. I’ve nothing to tell you anyway.

In a few days’ time, I might call you, and we'll talk.

Right, I'd better go away.

I'd better go away,

because I can’t think clearly either.

I’ve nothing to say. Let me know... hmm...

when I can show up to talk...

I’ll go.

I’m in St. Petersburg. I’m leaving tomorrow.

If you want to see me,

I’m staying at the Bohema Hotel.

“HUMBERT. HUMBERT”

Do you like my book?

I can give it to you.

I’m really sorry. So awkward.

Come on, take it. I have more.

- Do you have two identical books? - An entire box of them. On the balcony.

Oh, it's you. You wrote it?

Yes, with these very hands.

Could you sign it for me? Do you have a pen?

Of course! I’m a writer! What’s your name?

Alina.

What a coincidence. My first story is entitled “Alina”.

- Have you read it? - No.

Read it. It's a great one.

Thanks.

I’m into bibliomancy.

I got:

"She hung up and never called him again."

Wait, this is my stop! Thank you!

You’ve heavy bags. Let me help.

Won't you even offer me a tea for my efforts?

- Um... - Do you have no tea?

I do have tea. It’s just... the water's off.

Well, I'll hold the bags then,

while you are entering the door code.

Thank you!

Hello?

- I got you some water, which floor? - Fourth.

Sorry.

What about the tea?

I wouldn't mind, thanks.

OK, it's time to go. Thanks for the tea.

What is this?

Oh, I bought a wardrobe, but it came unassembled.

I'll come tomorrow and help.

Hello. Kir, hi. Give me a hand, please.

How did you find out?

Hi.

Find out what?

That I'm singing here.

Are you... singing now?

Not now, tonight.

Could you charge it?

Thanks.

What are you doing here?

I have a meeting! About work.

- With the publisher? - Yes!

- Why at the hotel? - Um...

A coffee, please.

Running late.

I'm negotiating with them now,

about translating my books into Polish.

They came here,

checked into this hotel, and now we’re meeting here.

What a coincidence.

How is your forehead?

I’ll have a scar.

Impressive.

Thank you.

Look, are all beautiful women

tough or... I just thought...

Stop it, please, it's not fair.

Can we have an honest conversation?

Yes.

I don't want to pour my heart to you,

only to hear a loaded silence.

Well. It can't get any worse.

I was miserable with you,

but somehow, without you it's even worse.

I don't know how it happened, but I fell for you so hard

that I'll accept you no matter what.

You’re a perfect woman.

Thank you so much. Really. I'm touched. Thank you.

Can we agree on something?

Yes.

I’m only asking you to be honest with me.

Maybe you’re seeing someone?

I'll understand. The most important thing is, don't lie to me.

Nothing to say? Check, please.

I'LL BE THERE IN 5 MINUTES.

I’m not seeing anyone.

I'll be there in 5 minutes.

But, you know, I’m having a business meeting and...

I don't want to mix everything up.

Let's have this conversation

another time, in a more quiet place.

And now, if you don't mind, I’ll focus on my work.

OK.

Alina, your phone!

Thank you.

Bye.

Room 303. The door's open.

I've brought you some real flowers...

Hello there. Can you bring a vase to Room 303?

Yes.

Do you have champagne?

What kind?

How much?

Alright, I'll have Brut. Thanks.

DELETE YOUR ACCOUNT

Lonely people,

Raindrops on the windowsill.

THIS ACCOUNT HAS BEEN DELETED

Lonely tears,

Lovers are lonely still.

Lonely souls,

Lonely dreams that,

Despite gloomy weather,

Two can be lonely together.

Hello, was it you who ordered

a vase and champagne?

Yes.

He forgot that wings

Will not grow on a slumped back.

Faded fresco...

Will remind him yet again,

Of two lonely souls

Who together forgot the pain...

ALINA - VERA KINCHEVA

VALENTIN CHAIKA - YURIY BYKOV

OLYA - MARIA PAVLOVSKAYA TANYA - ANASTASIA ZAYTSEVA

VASYA - ALEXANDER VASILYEV MASHA - EVGENIA KUZNETSOVA

MOM - OLESYA ZHELEZNYAK DAD - ALEKSANDR LAZAREV JR.

SERGEY - ALEXANDER FURMANOV

TV presenter - IRADA ZEYNALOVA

ANNA - NELLY POPOVA VALYA - MIKHAIL DANILENKO

NANA - SVETLANA NEMOLYAEVA

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY POLINA LAZAREVA

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY IVAN ALIMOV

PRODUCTION DESIGNER OLGA NIKITINA

COMPOSER SERGEY VERKHOVTSEV

EDITOR NATALYA KUCHERENKO

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER DANILA YAKOVLEV

PRODUCTION MANAGER POLINA IVANOVA

CREATIVE PRODUCER ELINA BORTOVAYA

GENERAL PRODUCER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

VLAD FURMAN

ILLUSION FILM COMPANY 2023