On February 1st, Netflix released its latest creation: “Russian Doll”. Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler, and Leslye Headland created the series, which follows a woman who is forced to repeat her 36th birthday over and over. Nadia, our main character, dies each night and wakes up back in her friend’s bathroom. Why her? How was this happening? Those questions are only the beginning.

The “Groundhog Day” premise is not a new idea. However, the show presents a fresh take on the familiar story. Natasha Lyonne stars as Nadia. Her performance steals the show. Nadia is a gritty New York woman with a devastating past. Yet, Natasha Lyonne plays Nadia with dark sarcastic wit, adding depth to an otherwise tragic character. In addition, the supporting performances are nothing short of spectacular.

Critics agree that “Russian Doll” is a hit. The show has even been stamped with the rare “Certified Fresh” status by Rotten Tomatoes. Alan Sepinwall from Rolling Stone even declared:

“That blend of tones, and the controlled mania of Lyonne’s brilliant performance, makes Russian Doll feel like something wholly new, even as it cops to its many influences.”

The consensus is clear: Russian Doll is a must-see. Despite the positive reviews, Netflix has yet to reveal if a second season is in the works.

I can’t help but agree with critics. “Russian Doll” is dark, funny, and heartfelt all at once. Nadia’s mysterious predicament carries her through must needed self-reflection. Meanwhile, the story is fascinating, keeping the viewer on edge. The show is a stunning mix of science fiction and mystery. I highly recommend this show, especially for fans of The Twilight Zone and Black Mirror. I was hooked through all eight episodes of the show. The beginning pulls you in, while the ending is a perfect mind-bending twist. I dare you to try not to binge-watch the entire season in one day.