"A man must master his circumstances or otherwise be mastered by them" is a lesson that Count Alexander Rostov lives by. Based upon the 2016 bestselling novel of the same name Showtime's miniseries A Gentleman in Moscow follows the count as he finds this lesson put to the ultimate test. Placed under house arrest by the Bolsheviks the count finds himself in the most unusual of circumstances as he experiences three decades of Russian history from his gilded cage. Perhaps most unusual of these circumstances are the ones that see him grow from gentleman of leisure to friend, unlikely ally, and even father to the hotel's staff and guests. This Father's Day join the count for a trip that you'll be hard pressed to return from in A Gentleman in Moscow.
The story begins in 1922 with the Romanov Dynasty having finally given way to the rise of the Soviet Union. In the midst of this upheaval the aristocratic count finds himself caught in the crosshairs of the new regime who designate him a 'social parasite'. Through a twist of fate and friendship his life is spared and instead of execution he is sentenced to spend the rest of his days in the servant's quarters of the Metropol Hotel. Separated from his home, his family, and his way of life he sets out to defy the regime by mastering his circumstances. Along the way he encounters old friends, unlikely allies, and new loves, forming a new family and life for himself. His existence is upended once again, however, when a young orphaned girl arrives at the hotel, changing the course of both of their lives forever.
At various points in the novel Alexander considers what it means to be a 'man of purpose'. The series similarly captures the way in which he loses any sense of purpose and meaning in his life upon his arrest. Cut off from everything that he had ever known and loved he finds himself faced with the prospect of a lifetime of empty, directionless, days ahead of him. Rather than succumb to despair he instead opts to create a life of purpose through the bonds he forms with the people around him. Even as he forms deep and meaningful relationships with various guests and staff at the hotel it is the parental bonds he forms with young guest Nina, and later her orphaned daughter, Sofia, that ultimately change his life. Through his friendship and mentorship of Nina he learns to see his predicament through the eyes of a child and find freedom and a sense of adventure within the hotel's walls. Similarly, he offers her wisdom and tries to show her a world beyond the oppression of the USSR. He is ultimately unable to protect Nina from the horrors of Stalin's purges, and finds himself at a crossroads when he is entrusted with the care of her orphaned daughter, Sofia. Although he is initially overwhelmed by this unexpected responsibility, when the state threatens to send Sofia to an orphanage he risks his own safety to ensure that they remain together. As the years pass he becomes the father she lost and she eases the pain of the loss of his younger sister. He consistently risks his own life to ensure her safety and places her happiness above his own, even if it means that he will have to let her go. Throughout the series Count Alexander Rostov is a nobleman and gentleman, but it is only through his role as a father that he becomes truly noble. This Father's Day enjoy the amenities of the Metropol courtesy of A Gentleman in Moscow.
The series transports viewers to Soviet Russia thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Johnny Harris lends depth and surprising humanity to his portrayal of Alexander's jailer turned ally, Osip. Alexa Goodall and Leah Balmforth aptly capture Nina's journey from precocious child to disillusioned woman. Fehinti Balogun personifies idealism betrayed as Bolshevik turned dissident Mishka. Real life sisters Beau Gadsdon and Billie Gadsdon convey Sofia's growth from lost child to promising prodigy warmth and charm. Mary Elizabeth Winstead steals each scene in which she appears in her magnetic turn as Alexander's equal parts sultry and savvy love interest, screen siren Anna. Even in the midst of enthralling performances the series belongs to Ewan MacGregor as Alexander Rostov. Blending old world charm, wit, and warmth he brings the count to life with an earnest optimism that is nothing short of infectious.
Upon its 2016 release the bestselling novel A Gentleman in Moscow was hailed by critics as 'charming', 'inspiring', and 'life-affirming'. Showtime's adaptation manages what readers feared was almost impossible as it not only does justice to but in some ways even improves upon its source material. The script captures the novel's blend of history, social commentary, political intrigue, romance, and optimism while still adhering to the limits of the screen. The cast transport viewers to the tumult of the early twentieth century through nuanced performances that bring the world of the Metropol to vibrant life. Take the trip of a lifetime with the count in A Gentleman in Moscow.
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