On March 24, 2025, audiences tuning into the Russia 1 channel were treated to the premiere of the new eight-episode detective series, "Once in the Forest". The show features a stellar cast led by Maria Kulikova, who plays Police Major Vasilisa Zhuravleva, a character who finds her quiet life turned upside down by a shocking murder that disrupts the peace of her small town.
The series centers around Zhuravleva, a police major in a sleepy little town, where serious crimes are a rare occurrence. On most days, she knows all the local misfits by name. However, when a grisly murder shakes her community, it reveals deep-seated secrets and puts her in the uncomfortable position of having to choose between uncovering a chilling truth or maintaining peace among her loved ones.
In reflecting on her role, Kulikova expressed her excitement in stepping into this character, saying, "As a viewer, I love the detective genre. And it’s even better when there’s room for irony and melodrama in the detective line. This is a combo – something interesting for all viewers." This duality of seriousness and levity reflects the show’s narrative where a dark central mystery intertwines with elements of humor and romance.
The series is helmed by director Maria Makhanko, known for her unique storytelling approach. She shared her enthusiasm about the project, stating, "The filming of 'Once in the Forest' was both an adventure and a pleasure. We have a not quite standard plot and genre, and a dazzling cast, which I'm proud of!" Makhanko aimed to create a show that depicts a fairy tale for adults, saying, "We filmed 'Once in the Forest' as a fairy tale for adults, only without magic. Our Vasilisa, colourful villains, and a dark forest where crimes happen..."
The production took place in real locations such as Torzhok and even the bustling Moscow area, with Makhanko ensuring that the sets felt authentic and relatable. Filming in these places often attracted crowds, and sometimes production was halted as local residents recognized their favorite actors and sought selfies and autographs. "I remember the effect created when Porechenkov appeared at the local market; people were astonished to find him there," Makhanko smiled.
Throughout the eventful shoot, Kulikova, who makes her debut in a police role, noted the unique challenges posed by the script's execution and the intricate balance between her character's professional duties and personal issues. The series aims to keep viewers on their toes with plenty of twists, as she remarked, "There’s truly a web of intrigues expected... and I think the audience will be quite surprised!"
The detective drama's ensemble cast includes prominent names like Dmitry Miller, who portrays Zakhar, a character described as the city's master, frequently called upon for assistance but grappling with his own complicated moral compass. In his words, "The character of Zakhar is like the master of the city, often consulted by locals for help..."
Viewers will soon discover that Vasilisa's investigation leads her to confront not only past secrets of the townsfolk but also her own family's buried truths. The series promises to be a rollercoaster of suspense, intrigue, and moral dilemmas, effectively encapsulated over its eight episodes.
For those eager to dive into this engaging narrative combining elements of mystery and melodrama, "Once in the Forest" airs nightly from March 24 to March 27 at 21:30, culminating in a finale that many are anticipating will be as explosive as it is revealing. Bringing stories of ordinary people faced with extraordinary circumstances to life, this series stands to intrigue and captivate audiences, promising to resonate on personal levels within the tumultuous backdrop of a small town.
