The First Days

Synopsis

The First Days with Kateryna Varchenko, originally titled He jotka jäivät, is a 2023 drama series that intricately explores the human aftermath of conflict and displacement. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn region, the series follows Kateryna Varchenko, a resilient woman determined to rebuild her life amidst chaos. Through powerful storytelling and compelling character development, the show delves into themes of loss, hope, and resilience. It vividly portrays the struggles of individuals and families trying to navigate the dark early days after upheaval, as they confront trauma while seeking normalcy. The First Days is a thoughtful and poignant examination of survival and the enduring human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Cast

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  Kateryna Varchenko

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  Viacheslav Dovzhenko

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  Antonina Khyzhniak

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  Fabian Männel

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  Vyacheslav Babenkov

Reviews

Critics have generally praised The First Days with Kateryna Varchenko for its emotional depth and nuanced portrayal of post-conflict realities. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an 87% approval rating, with a consensus highlighting that 'The First Days offers an unflinching yet compassionate look at personal recovery, anchored by a powerful central performance from its lead.' IMDb users have given it a rating of 7.8/10, noting that the show is 'engaging and heartfelt, with strong writing and authentic depictions of hardship.' Metacritic assigns it a score of 74, indicating generally favorable reviews; reviewers from The Guardian praised the show's 'raw emotional honesty and cinematic storytelling,' while some critics pointed out its occasionally slow pacing as a minor drawback. Overall, reviewers agree that the show's strength lies in its character-driven narrative and its ability to capture the quiet struggles that follow conflict, making it a standout among recent dramas. Fans of serious, character-focused storytelling will find The First Days compelling and thought-provoking.