3 reasons to watch ‘Crime and Punishment’, the new Russian TV show

Vladimir Mirzoyev/Plus Studio, Zoom Production, 2024

One of the most important novels in Russian and world literature has received a new screen adaptation for the first time in many years.

On October 26, 2024, a new TV series retelling ‘Crime and Punishment’, directed by Vladimir Mirzoyev, will premiere on the ‘Kinopoisk’ streaming platform and will be available via paid subscription. The action this time takes place in 21st century St. Petersburg. Law student Rodion Raskolnikov is exhausted by lack of money, while his sister works as a nanny in rich people’s homes to support her brother and mother.

Below are three reasons to watch the series.

1. The novel is rarely adapted for the screen in Russia

Unlike Dostoevsky’s “The Idiot” and “The Brothers Karamazov,” which appear on screen much more frequently, “Crime and Punishment” is difficult material to adapt into a film or TV show.

That same ax

Vladimir Mirzoyev/Plus Studio, Zoom Production, 2024

The last time a TV miniseries was released was in 2007, and before that, a notable film based on the novel was made in 1969. That film, directed by Lev Kulidzhanov, was recognized as a classic, and for many years, filmmakers did not would touch on romance.

Raskolnikov and his beloved Sonya Marmeladova

Vladimir Mirzoyev/Plus Studio, Zoom Production, 2024

Therefore, a new version of the cult novel in the form of a TV show is already a major cultural event.

2. Brilliant cast of actors

The main role of Rodion Raskolnikov is played by Ivan Yankovsky. Representative of the famous acting dynasty, today he is the hottest male actor in Russia. Fame and fortune came to him after the TV show ‘The Boy’s Word: Blood on the Asphalt’ (2023).

Running through the streets of Saint Petersburg

Vladimir Mirzoyev/Plus Studio, Zoom Production, 2024

In ‘Crime and Punishment’, Yankovsky perfectly assumed the role of a poor student, who finds himself on the verge of madness. Director Vladimir Mirzoyev says that this role was written specifically for the actor.

Yulia Snigir as Marfa Svidrigailova

Vladimir Mirzoyev/Plus Studio, Zoom Production, 2024

Raskolnikov’s sister is played by the popular young actress Lyubov Aksenova, who reincarnates in one second from an innocent angel into a cruel woman. Famous actress Yulia Snigir also stars in the TV show.

3. The action was transferred to the present day

In Russia, the attitude towards classical literature is so reverent that most films remain faithful to the text and become a kind of cinematic “illustration” of novels. Therefore, the producers’ decision to rewrite Dostoevsky’s “sacred” text can be considered a very bold step. Fans of the writer and fanatics of classical literature, of course, will be indignant because only the basis of the plot remains from the novel.

At the same time, the series highlights plots in depth, where Dostoevsky only outlined them. Svidrigailov and his wife are shown in more detail, as well as the story of Raskolnikov’s sister Dunya.

Dunya Raskolnikova and her colleague Razumikhin

Vladimir Mirzoyev/Plus Studio, Zoom Production, 2024

Furthermore, the authors of the series introduced a new character, who was masterfully played by the “Russian Robert Downey Jr.” Boris Khvoshnyansky. He is a kind of alter ego of Raskolnikov, a devil on his shoulder, so to speak, who talks to him and encourages him to kill the old woman. You may also notice a reference to other works by Dostoevsky, such as ‘Karamazovs’ and ‘Notes from Underground’.

Raskolnikov and the devil on his shoulder

Vladimir Mirzoyev/Plus Studio, Zoom Production, 2024

As director Vladimir Mirzoyev says, this is a TV show about crime, punishment and resurrection. Which, however, the viewer will only be able to see in the next season.

Dear readers,

Our website and social media accounts are under threat of being restricted or banned, due to the current circumstances. So, to keep up with our latest content, simply do the following:

• Subscribe to our Telegram channel
• Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter
• Enable push notifications on our website
• Install a VPN service on your computer and/or phone to access our website, even if it is blocked in your country

When using any Russia Beyond content, in part or in whole, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.