Polina Tsyganova, the daughter of renowned actor Evgeniy Tsyganov, has stepped onto the big screen with her debut role in the film 110, alongside popular actress Elizaveta Boyarskaya. At just 20 years old, Polina portrays Alice, the daughter of Boyarskaya’s character, Elena, who navigates the tumultuous waters of complex family dynamics exacerbated by tragic events.
The film, which premiered at several film festivals before its release on January 31, 2025, has drawn attention for its poignant storytelling. It dramatically tackles serious themes, including mental health struggles and the impact of social pressures within educational systems, particularly after the suicide of one of Alice's classmates.
Ilya Mikheev directed 110, which is characterized by its emotional depth and realistic portrayals. The narrative centers around the strained relationship between Alice and her lawyer mother, illuminating how crisis can unravel family ties. Through their interactions, the film delves deep, exploring how tragedy often forces uncomfortable truths to the surface and reveals the lengths individuals go to hide their realities.
"I know many of them, they call it 'nepo babies,' who are incredibly talented... But sometimes there is such biased treatment!" Polina expressed, reflecting on her own experiences amid accusations of benefiting from her famous lineage. Her dedication shines through amid the industry’s gossip about familial connections influencing career prospects.
Polina’s performance garnered significant acclaim, earning her the 'Best Actress' award at the Winter Author’s Cinema Festival, reflecting the strength of her debut performance. The film has also won the prestigious 'Best National Debut' award at the third international film festival, One Sixth, indicating not only the quality of the production but also the potential for future projects featuring the vibrant young actress.
Interestingly, Polina acknowledges her unique upbringing without formal acting education. It’s her ambition to pursue directing instead. "After school, I didn’t just pop up at uni, and I want to learn directing—this craft fascinates me more than acting at this moment," she stated, bridging her aspirations with the trials faced by those attempting to carve out their own identities away from their family's shadows.
Alongside her, the film also stars Dmitry Lysenkov, Alexei Rozin, and Daniil Kolotov, creating a strong ensemble cast. Each character contributes to the film's exploration of grief, responsibility, and the often harsh reality of societal expectations and personal failures.
Her father, Evgeniy Tsyganov, recently commented on the nature of success and recognition within the film industry during his interview with Forbes Talk. He noted, "I find this conversation is really about luck... Maybe Yuri Borisov has some blessing, perhaps he did something good in life." His reflections resonate not only with personal struggles but highlight the broader conversation about the unpredictability of careers, especially within the arts.
Polina’s story is still developing as she strives to forge her own path. Meanwhile, her family background looms large, with her brothers also showing interest in the arts—Nikita, 18, studies at Oleg Tabakov’s school, and 14-year-old Andrei is still completing his education but is often compared to his father due to their physical resemblance.
Critically, 110's release has been met with varying responses online, with some expressing intrigue about the theme of familial relationships depicted against the backdrop of current societal issues. Observers have noted the unusual trend of casting actors with small differences in age as parents and their children, prompting conversations about casting stereotypes and realities.
Despite mixed feelings from audiences, it's clear Polina Tsyganova's debut marks the beginning of what could be a significant presence within the Russian film industry. With her innate talent, dedication, and the experiences garnered from both acclaim and criticism, she stands poised for what’s next to come, eager to explore her own narrative beyond her parents' legacy and the industry's expectations.
For those interested, the film 110 is now available for digital streaming, beckoning viewers to engage with its earnest storytelling and powerful performances.