Ukrainian series ‘Double Stakes’ is a stimulating tale of cops and thieves

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While some people in the country are becoming more withdrawn and focused on their own culture, others are increasingly interested in global events and are more open to enjoying foreign films and TV shows. We saw evidence of this trend at the recent Oscars.

Netflix offers content in a wide variety of languages, including Turkish, Malay, Thai, Hindi, and many more, alongside popular options like French, Korean, and Spanish. It’s interesting to see how different cultures portray themselves in their own films and shows, rather than how they present themselves to international audiences.

That leads us to “Double Stakes,” a Ukrainian crime drama debuting in the U.S. on Thursday via Viaplay, a streaming service known for its Nordic noir series – a genre that’s become quite popular, even earning its own section on many American streaming platforms. With so many similar shows available, it’s easy to overlook them. However, a series from Ukraine is a rare occurrence, especially now, considering the ongoing war. I admit I didn’t know much about the country – it’s where my great-grandparents were from – so I was particularly intrigued and decided to give it a watch. I’m glad I did; it was a very enjoyable experience.

Igor Shvedov, known as Vlad Nikitiuk, has just returned home after six years serving in military intelligence. He’s equipped with skills that will soon prove useful. Arriving in his military uniform, he reconnects with his older brother, Anton, who he knows simply as a construction company owner – a man with a somewhat shady past from the 1990s, a decade frequently referenced as a chaotic time. However, the reunion is short-lived, as Anton is quickly killed by an assassin.

Igor visits Bayun, a long-time friend of his brother, to learn some shocking truths. Bayun reveals that Anton, nicknamed “the Swede,” was actually a major crime figure in the city, and that one of three men likely murdered him: a powerful enforcer named Crab, a pretentious man called Count, or a cunning trickster known as Knave (or Jack). They’re a bit like the villains from the old Batman TV show – think the Joker, the Penguin, and the Riddler – though the comparison isn’t perfect.

Bayun has taken over Anton’s operation and is a surprisingly likable character – a bit of a goofball, but generally good-hearted, and he acts as a mentor to Igor. The story emphasizes that Bayun’s crew is different from other criminals because they avoid dealing drugs. We’re meant to root for Bayun, and it’s easy to do, especially with his intelligent and capable girlfriend, Murka (played by Anna Guliayeva). She’s level-headed, a skilled hacker, and covered in tattoos. Bayun is also studying German, seemingly just for fun, and playfully throws German phrases into his conversations.

Driven by a need to find his brother’s killer, Igor quickly joins the police force. His background as a skilled and physically fit combat veteran earns him a lieutenant’s badge right away. The police, already investigating a missing undercover officer, see Igor as a valuable asset. While not all of his new colleagues are trustworthy – some are corrupt and driven by ambition – he eventually gains the trust of two good officers, Lena and Oleksa. Igor is an exceptionally capable hero; unless caught off guard, he can overcome any enemy, even armed ones. His reputation precedes him – people know he’s survived being shot multiple times without being seriously harmed. Like a legendary knight, Igor’s strength comes from his unwavering integrity.

The film frequently alludes to the war with Russia, starting early on. Igor gets into a fight with some aggressive patrons at a bar after he turns up the volume on a news report from the war zone. He then meets Vika (Oleksandra Syzonenko), who he saves from the same situation and quickly begins a relationship with; Vika lost her parents when their home was bombed. Igor also discovers that Anton’s group provided the weapons and ammunition for his military unit.

The plot, filled with secret agents and informants on both sides of the law and among rival gangs, can be confusing to follow. It’s made harder by the fact that many characters have multiple names, and those names are Ukrainian, with the subtitles sometimes inconsistent in their spelling. However, the film is also surprisingly direct in its storytelling. Compared to typical Hollywood productions, it’s quite simple and unpolished – the sets are bare, there are no special effects, and the visuals are straightforward. The most stylistic choice the film makes is tilting the camera, a technique reminiscent of 1960s filmmaking. Some of the subtitle translations are also rather unusual, like “Do speak bluntly,” “I’ve got a misfortune,” and “What made you so grumpish?”

What struck me most about this film is its directness. There’s very little separating you from the performances – you’ll likely connect with, or be turned off by, the actors based purely on how they play their roles. It leans heavily on familiar movie tropes – even borrowing a few from American films – and yet, or maybe because of that, it feels surprisingly genuine. It’s a human film, oddly charming, even though a lot of it revolves around people trying to kill each other! The characters aren’t overly complex; they’re straightforward, much like the heroes and villains we first met in “Star Wars” – and we all know how well that turned out.

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2026-03-19 13:32