— How will the heroine Lera evolve in the feature-length version of “Trigger”?
“People change in some way as life unfolds, and the characters in “Trigger” are no exception, especially when placed beside the main psychologist. Lera always carries herself like a phoenix, and the surrounding world shifts as she does. The hero will undergo growth, and the audience will observe that evolution on screen.
— You admitted feeling a surge of emotion on the set of the TV series “Trigger” while filming a scene where the heroine burns her husband’s belongings. Did you experience similar intensity while shooting the feature version?
— In general, strong emotions accompany any film project. They’re the professional fuel, a kind of medicine that keeps the craft alive. The specific trigger you reference was most intense during the first season. Throughout the feature, those exact feelings did not resurface. It remains a painful memory that I’m not eager to relive. There were other intense moments, but nothing on that scale.
— Professional psychologists criticized the TV series for allegedly distorting their field. What would you say to them?
— They faced criticism, sure. It likely ties to Artem Streletsky’s provocative approach in the series, including the portrayal of the hero played by Maxim Matveev. During the first season, the actor worked under the guidance of a well-known psychotherapist, Sergei Nasibyan. That mentorship helped him see that the method being used did not suit his own approach. As for critiques of the profession itself, one must remember that art needs fictional devices to drive a story forward. Some cases depicted were drawn from real life, especially in the first season. The method associated with Streletsky’s character belongs to the artistic realm. A director’s vision and a producer’s choices shape what the audience ultimately experiences. The goal was to touch viewers’ souls and provoke reflection. If the story aligned perfectly with professional plausibility, it might not engage people as deeply. The aim was to invite introspection and, perhaps, a conversation with a specialist. Criticism is normal and healthy.
— Will there be a “Trigger.txt” as a continuation? A second film?
— That remains unclear. It’s public knowledge that a third season followed the feature film. Time will tell how the story unfolds next.
— Have you sought help from a psychologist?
“Opening up to a stranger proved difficult. Years were spent exploring options, listening to both renowned professionals and newcomers. I reviewed available information, spoke with friends, but finding the courage to reach out remained a challenge. Eventually, I started studying the issue on my own and continue to learn.
— How emotional are you in real life?
— Very emotional. Silence can be a powerful emotion too. A close-up can reveal what a character goes through and give viewers much to ponder. In life, staying quiet can spark fear or questions from others. Sometimes a moment of release is just an exhale. Emotion runs deep, and there is also a thoughtful, restrained side to life.
— How do you unwind after a day on set?
— It varies. Recovery is a fluid concept for one who spends much of life on the road. Perhaps the word is not quite right. The road never really ends, with suitcases, flights, and trains always nearby. The idea of fully recovering feels distant.
— What helps you distill stress or find relaxation?
— A range of activities helps. Reading small bits of various books and skimming multiple scripts to avoid mixing details about different characters. Watching films is a constant pastime, and staying informed about the industry matters. Whether or not it constitutes a distraction is debatable. In truth, acting remains a constant presence in life, though it isn’t about fanaticism.
— Some stars treat openness about their personal lives as part of their craft. That’s not your approach, right?
— Indeed, not always. Public displays of personal life, partnerships, and social media attention aren’t the focus. If a relationship forms outside the industry, it would likely be handled discreetly. Personal space is precious, and family matters stay within a small circle.
— Your parents are artists and your mother is a director. Does that mean your career path was practically preordained?
— Not exactly. I grew up backstage, with both parents at my side through long rehearsals and endless school days. I watched, listened, and learned from them. Yet I did have a choice and the freedom to pursue what I wanted. When the moment arrived and the profession seemed to choose me, my family supported that path rather than resisting it. Acting, like many artistic traditions, can feel like a demanding grind, but there was no heavy-handed pressure to follow a predetermined route. Circumstances aligned in a way that led me to this calling.
— Does your mother ever critique your work?
— She does, and that critique is valuable. Their trust-based bond means they’re honest. They can see the outcome from the inside and know where improvements are needed. At times that honesty stings, but it also keeps me grounded. Constructive criticism always serves the growth of a craft.
— Do you have a favorite character among those you’ve played?
— Lera stands out as a long-running influence in my life. Whether it showed up as a question about the character or a cosmic nudge, Lera left a lasting imprint. Some colleagues even teased that she and I share a certain phoenix-like energy. Lera taught a form of measured courage. I am naturally reserved, and she encouraged truth-telling and decisive action. I also admire Milana from the series “The Ivanovs Ivanovs” and the current character Irina Gradova. The next project, a series titled “Golden Mine” produced with Sreda, will appear on the Evie platform in the new year. The character is intricate, more ambiguous than others, and that complexity is what I value. Truly, I love all my roles, because before filming, I try to embrace them with genuine care. If I don’t feel connected, the performance would falter. Love for the characters is essential to a successful path.
— You mentioned watching a lot of films and staying current with industry trends. What is your current favorite genre?
— At the moment, psychological thrillers top the list. They’re a playground for an actor, a source of fun to explore. For a viewer, the suspense and unpredictability keep attention sharp, and it’s captivating to wonder what a character will do next.
— Your city is Saint Petersburg, and you’ve spoken warmly about it. Which places do you adore there?
— Petrogradskaya is home to me. I’ve kept a steady routine there for over a decade, and the hotel staff know me well. The Hermitage is a favorite, and I visit whenever I’m in town. The plan is simple: wander along Nevsky Prospekt, savor the city’s energy, and find myself in familiar corners. I also often return to the five-pointed tower to meet a friend, share tea, and enjoy those quiet moments that anchor a person. It’s one of the strongest places for me.
— Turning back to acting, is there a role you would refuse under any circumstances?
— Yes. A role that requires depicting cruelty against animals or children is something I cannot justify. It’s not only emotionally painful; it goes against my core values, and I can’t imagine performing it.
— The New Year is often a busy time for artists. Do you have plans for December 31?
— The plan is simple and meaningful: gather with family and share a quiet, intimate dinner. When the clock strikes midnight, we raise our glasses together, giving thanks for the year and the people we hold dear. Family remains central, and that traditional moment matters deeply to me.