After a period of relative quiet, two of Russia`s most prominent actors, Paulina Andreeva and Danila Kozlovsky, are set to grace the big screen once more. They lead the cast of “NobodyLikeYou,” a new tragicomedy from the veteran screenwriter Gennady Ostrovsky, who co-directs with his protégé, Victoria Mokerova.
Filming for “NobodyLikeYou,” ambitiously billed as a “millennial manifesto,” has commenced in the picturesque city of St. Petersburg and along the scenic Gulf of Finland. The project promises to delve into the lives of contemporary individuals navigating a world of fleeting desires and the elusive quest for genuine connection.
A Tale of Modern Love and Existential Quests
The narrative centers on Mark, a successful St. Petersburg restaurateur whose life is a whirlwind of glamorous parties, vibrant social circles, and a seemingly endless string of beautiful companions. Yet, beneath the glittering surface, Mark faces an impending choice: to continue indulging in momentary pleasures or to pursue a profound, authentic emotion. The film`s tagline, “They are versed in the art of love… But are they ready for a meeting with Absolute Love?”, boldly positions the project as an exploration of love`s true depth in an era often characterized by superficiality.
While the film industry sometimes overindulges in narratives of opulent lifestyles and endless celebrations, the involvement of Gennady Ostrovsky offers a compelling counterpoint. His illustrious career as a screenwriter, marked by collaborations with such cinematic heavyweights as Valery Todorovsky, Sergey Ursulyak, and Pawel Pawlikowski, signals a depth often sought but rarely found. Ostrovsky`s commitment to this project, which he has nurtured for nearly a decade, suggests a story with significant artistic merit.
A Mentor, A Protégé, A Shared Vision
The directorial helm is shared between Ostrovsky and his former student, Victoria Mokerova. Mokerova, already acclaimed for her debut film “Feelings” (awarded for best screenplay and best female role at the “Zimny” festival in 2024), steps into a dual role as co-director and a lead actress in “NobodyLikeYou.” This collaborative approach, born from Ostrovsky`s decade-long search for the right vision, underscores a rare blend of seasoned wisdom and fresh perspective.
Ostrovsky, at 65, acknowledges the value of Mokerova`s contemporary insight. “I worked on this story for almost ten years and constantly thought about who could bring it to life,” he shared. “After seeing the debut of my student Vika Mokerova, I understood what to do.” Mokerova, whose younger viewpoint aligns more closely with the “millennial” themes, adds that the film explores the paradox of modern life:
“Have you noticed how many beautiful and self-satisfied people we meet on the streets? They are not always happy. This is a story not just about the main characters, but an intertwining of different fates and life situations, simultaneously ordinary and absurd, tragic and comedic. And despite all the drama, it is a very bright story. When I read this story, I realized that this is exactly what I not just want, but dream to shoot!”
A Stellar Ensemble and Accomplished Production Team
The film marks a significant return for both Danila Kozlovsky and Paulina Andreeva. For Kozlovsky, “NobodyLikeYou” represents his first major cinematic role in several years. Andreeva, who has focused on screenwriting and family in recent times, also makes a welcome comeback. Their combined star power is expected to draw considerable attention to the project.
The supporting cast features a talented array of actors, including Alexander Robak, Alexander Yatsenko, Yulia Vitruk, Alexandra Kiseleva, Snezhana Samokhina, Anastasia Reznik, and Russian-Indian actor Vasant Balan, who portrays an Indian businessman. Behind the scenes, the production boasts an equally impressive crew:
- Cinematographer Fyodor Lyass: Known for his work on diverse projects like “Hardcore,” “The Thaw,” and “Dukhless,” bringing a rich visual language to the film.
- Production Designer Elena Zhukova: A recipient of prestigious “Nika” and “Golden Eagle” awards, her credits include critically acclaimed films such as Alexander Sokurov`s “Faust” and Alexei German Sr.`s “Hard to Be a God,” promising a meticulously crafted aesthetic.
This confluence of seasoned talent, both in front of and behind the camera, sets a high bar for “NobodyLikeYou,” hinting at a film that is not only visually stunning but also narratively resonant.
Philosophical Undercurrents in a Modern Setting
Beyond the engaging plot and star-studded cast, “NobodyLikeYou” promises to explore profound philosophical questions surrounding love. The creators have drawn inspiration from literary and psychological giants, weaving their insights into the fabric of the story:
- Leo Tolstoy (from “War and Peace”): The idea that “Love impedes death. Love is life. All, all that I understand, I understand only because I love. All exists only because I love.”
- Sigmund Freud (from “Essays on the Psychology of Sexuality”): The notion that “He who loves has, so to speak, forfeited a part of his narcissism and can only regain it by being loved.”
- Nikolai Berdyaev (from “The Meaning of Creativity”): His reflections on the “deep, tragic disparity between feminine love and masculine love,” suggesting that “in the creative act of higher love, feminine and masculine nature cease to be terribly alien and hostile.”
These references indicate that “NobodyLikeYou” aims to be more than just a rom-com; it`s a thoughtful examination of love`s many facets, its challenges, and its transformative power. Will Mark, our millennial protagonist, successfully navigate his glamorous life to find this “Absolute Love” that Tolstoy and Berdyaev ponder? Or will Freud`s observation on lost narcissism prove to be his most challenging hurdle?
Anticipation Builds for a St. Petersburg Love Story
As filming continues through early October in St. Petersburg, a city often lauded for its romantic and mysterious aura, anticipation is steadily building. With a compelling story, a talented cast making notable returns, and a visionary directorial team supported by an award-winning crew, “NobodyLikeYou” is poised to be a significant addition to contemporary Russian cinema. It stands as a promising venture that seeks to not only entertain but also to provoke reflection on what it truly means to love in the modern age.
