I watched the newest Russian TV series “Track”. An uncomfortable and brutal thriller, but not to be missed.

At the beginning of autumn, the Russian series “Track” premiered on the Okko streaming service.

Many viewers managed to dub the news the domestic cult series “Twin Peaks” by David Lynch. This comparison is due to the general mystery of the atmosphere, the gloom and mystery of disappearance in a small provincial town.

Both feature elements of detective intrigue, strange and sometimes creepy characters, and themes of hidden secrets.

We watched all 5 episodes that were released and are ready to share our impressions.

Brief description

• An atmosphere of insecurity
  Harsh social subtext
  Interweaving personal and professional opinions
  Great acting
  Riddles you want to solve
  Conclusion: watch, but not for everyone

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Reason #1. An atmosphere of insecurity

What is the series about?: a dark detective series about the search for missing girls in a small town in southern Russia. A judge from St. Petersburg, Svetlana, goes in search of her adopted daughter, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

During the course of her investigation, she encounters local investigator Elvira and, together with her, becomes immersed in the hidden world of accusations that engulf the provincial town.

The atmosphere of “Track” is one of the main features that makes the series as disturbing as possible. From the very beginning, they are immersed in the dark, cold world of a small town in southern Russia. This city seems frozen in time: gray streets, lifeless landscapes and constant oppressive silence create the feeling that something is wrong here.

The series is permeated with a sense of failure. The city seems cut off from the outside world, and this feeling is felt by the locals being secretive, often avoiding telling the truth. This is a place where indifference and indifference reign. Stephen King, I think.

The Stavropol region, with its forests and mountains, is presented as both picturesque and dangerous. The alternating deserted roads and abandoned buildings along the roads symbolize danger and loneliness, while the dark forests represent hidden secrets waiting to be discovered.

The soundtrack was in the air, adding to the feeling of irreversible disaster. Not only the music tracks are important, but also the sound itself. For example, noise, wind, rustling sounds or random violins – all this creates a feeling of the unknown and danger that can come from anywhere. The composer uses muted, unsettling notes that increase tension and create an atmosphere of constant risk.

One of the strongest elements of an atmospheric game is the constant feeling of tension. It seems like a threat could arise at any moment. The director deliberately plays with the waiting audience, creates situations where the viewer expects the best, but this does not happen immediately.

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Reason #2: Harsh social overtones

Beneath the detective intrigue, deep issues are revealed that touch on the realities of life in small towns in Russia and how society reacts to crime and crime. More than ever, in fact.

One of the main themes of the game becomes a source of income that is present in the lives of many characters. This not only supports, but also manifests itself emotionally in the relationship between parents and children, between spouses. Through the tragic stories of the heroes, “The Route” occurs, since hushing up problems and ignoring the war can lead to catastrophic consequences.

“Track” explores the theme of single-parent families. Many heroes suffer because of broken family ties. Judge Svetlana is one such figure who has seemingly achieved success in her career, but her personal life is full of contradictions. Her relationship with her adopted daughter Kira is fraught with conflict, mistrust and understatement. This relationship illustrates the problem when parents cannot or do not want to understand their children.

One of the most social issues raised in “Track” is society’s indifference to alphabets and children. The city, where constant events take place, is shrouded in an atmosphere of indifference. Instead of active investigations, the police often turn a blind eye to the documents and poisoning of girls, writing them down as runaways or voluntary poisoning. This is a classic problem in small towns where people choose to ignore the evil going on next to them.

The children on the Track are a product of an environment where mistrust and secrets have become normal. This is a generation that is forced to survive in conditions where adults, targeted by viruses and instructions, are themselves lost in their own internal conflicts and demons.

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Reason #3: Intertwining of personal and professional opinions

TV series, as personal dramas and the main conflicts of the characters, influence their work and the decisions they make in the professional sphere. In some places it looks wild and vulgar. But quite a life.

There may be some spoilers here, so let’s just assume that the moral dilemmas women face blur the lines between the personal and the professional. It’s interesting to watch their decisions, dialogues and actions. Unpredictable.

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Reason #4: Great acting

Anna Mikhalkova and Karina Razumovskaya are two bright female characters who attract attention. Mikhalkova in the role of Elvira leads, strength and inner support, making her character alive and multi-layered. Razumovskaya, although controversial about the emotional fullness of her heroine (there are scenes here that can shock and disgust, strictly 18+ (!)), successfully conveys the image of a mother desperately trying to maintain control over her condition.

Alexander Ilyin in Victor’s videos adds a dark intrigue to the series – his character balances on the border between good and evil, and the viewer is left with a puzzle of whose side he is really on.

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Reason #5: Riddles that you want to solve

Mysteries are a key element that keeps the viewer glued to the screen throughout the entire Highway series. From the very beginning, the series masterfully twists the intrigue, our story of many questions and mysterious events. Determining these mysteries becomes the main motivation for the viewer, creating a tense atmosphere of anticipation and a constant desire to find out what will happen next.

The plot of “Track” begins with a shocking event. This episode immediately leads to the narration of one of the biggest mysteries of the game: why did the girl commit such a terrible crime? What made her decide to take such a radical step?
Over the course of the episodes, the series gradually reveals different aspects of the life of the girl and her family, but her actions remain unmotivated until the end. The viewer asks questions, and the series slowly answers them.

The second storyline contains questions and riddles. Various charges were brought against the viewer, for which the antagonist’s words were raised.

Finally, the series also tackles the topic of corruption in small towns. Where would we be without this Russian detective series? Murders, disappearances, ulterior motives of the characters and constant hints of something more than just a detective story, viewers formulate their own theories and try to unravel what is really happening in this city.

Is it interesting to watch? Yes. Is time disgusting? Yes too.

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Conclusion: watch, but not for everyone

“Track” is a dark detective thriller that will suit viewers who love atmospheric and tense stories with deep, concrete implications. Those who will like the series appreciate complex plot weaves, psychological drama and many mysteries that keep them in constant suspense.

The serial focus is on the internal conflicts of the characters, their traumas and difficult family relationships. If you are interested in a story where the personal is intertwined with professional characters who go through internal negotiations, this project is for you.

There are many mysteries, feelings of hopelessness and the wildness of what is happening – modern Russia in one bottle. Watchable, although not very pretty.