This BL series is not just a good cinema but is a message of hope and defiance that no matter what, love will endure. Irrespective of the form it takes or the cost to obtain, it will still be part of the human story and the driving force for change and equality.

It is a simple story told behind a veil of secrecy, yet as open as the air we breathe.

It is a mythos about a Russian-Armenian young man named Roma (Arsen Khanjyan) who is in college studying law but does not want to be an attorney. He works at a pizzeria which gives him an opportunity to meet a variety of people. After stumbling out from an overnight party, Roma meets Alexey (Dmitry Simonov) on his way out and his whole world turns upside down in a flash. The bond is one arranged by chance, yet feels as if it was meant to be. It is surreal and ethereal.

Initially surprised by the intensity of this sexual connection, Roma at first spurns Alexey, wanting to foster more. But as he reflects more and as he confesses to his HIV positive sister his yearning for Alexey, he realizes that he is not unique, odd, or different- just in love. His journey to finding who he is, becomes the story.

The beauty of this series is that Roma finds acceptance of himself as part of the human saga and feels more alive than he has ever. He finds his companion. There is a profoundly simple yet symbolic circle of life moment in this beautiful story connected at its beginning and its end. It all starts and ends with a simple seed- spelt.

The characters in this story are emblematic, if not allegorical. Throughout this narration is a mixture and a shattering of the norms of perceptions. We perceive one way, but the reality is just a mix up of what we are. Roma finds an assemblage of individuals representing the universal world around him. Friends who are gay, straight but accepting, bi, and HIV individuals. He also finds bigots, closemindedness, and fear. Yet, they all exist and are thrown together and represent us in our categorical niches. In other words, they are more like us than unlike us. They represent all of us.

This is an enormously powerful story of discovery and acceptance and from all places, Russia. It was filmed in Moscow, yet it feels so – ordinary. There is a kissing scene in this series that was filmed within a 5-minute walk from the Kremlin. What this series has done is shown to the world that the movement of gayness has not stopped and there is underlying, quiet progression, and an ever so slow-moving level of acceptance.

What makes this series so unique is that the creators of this series produced it at their own expense and the actors are not ‘professional’ actors. More importantly, they all conveyed a complete sense of worth, integrity, and realism into the roles, with the production at times, feeling like I was watching a documentary as opposed to a film. Everyone in this production deserves this kudos. This is an astonishing labor of love and shows such courage and strength of character both on and off the screen. I can only image the consequences if something, anything, had gone wrong.

The story is simple and basic and is as old as modern times itself. Yet, it harkens us back to the struggles previously, currently, and those that we have yet to face. There is so much more than production values or acting acumen that makes something so memorable. That is this story’s message. It is good to be reminded of that and to see that the story and endeavors remain universal. Watch this to remember that not all BLs are romantic fantasies but indeed are all based upon realness, authenticity, and actuality that occasionally we need to be called to mind about. Consider yourself reminded after watching this Russian entry into the annals of the BL world.

Rating- 5 out of 5

Streaming on- here