Chasing Two Hares

In the humming streets of late‑19th‑century Kyiv, ambition flickers in every tavern, market stall, and candlelit drawing‑room. The city’s glittering façades mask a world where reputation is bartered like coins, and marriage can be a ticket to salvation. Against this backdrop, a whimsical, slightly exaggerated tone swirls through the lives of its residents, infusing everyday schemes with a theatrical flair that feels both timeless and uniquely Ukrainian.

Svyryd Holokhvosty, a once‑proud barber whose shop has shuttered under the weight of debt, becomes the film’s restless engine. He is driven by a desperate need to restore his standing, and he hatches a plan that hinges on the promises of matrimony. His charisma and quick wit draw the attention of those around him, setting the stage for a series of bold social maneuvers that echo the bustling market of ideas and desires surrounding him.

The narrative also follows Tonya Korovyak, a young woman whose heart beats to the rhythm of applause, white limousines, and adoring fans. Yearning to become a superstar, she trades the modest life of a guest‑house employee for a place at the renowned “Factory of Stars,” where dreams are polished like jewels. Her father, the affluent owner of a sprawling supermarket chain, quietly fuels her creative schemes while keeping family secrets—most notably the mystery surrounding her aunt—veiled in shadow.

All the while, a cast of colorful figures—Pronya, the unrefined daughter of a wealthy family; Halya, a striking beauty whose affection is coveted; and Sekleta Lymerykha, the imposing matriarch who steers the fates of those around her—populate this lively tableau. Their intersecting desires and the whimsical social dances they perform create a rich tapestry of humor, longing, and the perpetual chase of two elusive hares, leaving the audience eager to see which path will ultimately lead to fulfillment.

Last Updated: October 23, 2025 at 16:13