It’s not just Twitter that is alive over “Russian Doll,” the Netflix show that features Natasha Lyonne as Nadiya, a woman fated to keep dying over and over again. Critics have also praised the show, which is being likened to “Groundhog Day.”

The black comedy, which started streaming on 1 February, is thoroughly likeable and eminently binge-able, partly due to the story and partly due to Lyonne’s excellent performance in her role.

‘Russian Doll’ and the bathroom scene

As noted by the Independent, each time Nadiya dies (and it happens a lot – including falling down the stairs and breaking her neck not once, but several times in one episode), she comes to again, staring at herself in the mirror at her friend’s apartment, where her 36th birthday party is being hosted.

Natasha Lyonne’s quirky nature and New York accent are perfect for the character.

Here is a small selection of some of the tweets, raving about “Russian Doll” to give readers an idea of how excellent and popular the new series is. Lyonne herself responded and thanked everyone.

In case you haven’t heard yet, Nadiya is not alone in her weary fate in "Russian Doll," as she comes across a guy going through exactly the same experience.

In fact, they both die at the same time, each time, whether together or apart. He is going through a bad time in his life as he is about to go on holiday with the love of his life and intends to propose when she breaks it off with him.

Soundtrack of ‘Russian Doll’ is also a hit

Every time Nadiya comes to life again in that famous bathroom, a certain song is played.

In case you’ve heard it and don’t know which song it is, it is a classic Harry Nilsson 1971 song “Gotta Get Up,” and it couldn’t be more perfect for Nadiya’s situation and fate. The song goes on about carrying on and drinking and doing the “rock ‘n roll,” talking about not thinking of getting older and never realising things could “grow cold.” Listen to the song here.

NME quotes Lyonne, who is both the leading actor and writer of the series, as telling the New York Times that Nilsson’s songs always had the type of ending that was unpleasant. She said that was something that was always bubbling under the surface of his songs, whether they were upbeat or dark. She added that she has always wanted to “touch something that was out of time,” which she certainly does in “Russian Doll,” and she feels New York and the East Village are “out of time.”

It turns out streaming of Nilsson’s song have definitely increased since Netflix launched the show, but besides that track, the soundtrack has a number of other great numbers, including songs by Weyes Blood, Dusty Springfield, Slowdive and Ariel Pink.

When her new pal (played by Charlie Barnett) comes to in his bathroom, it’s to a classic, song “Crimson and Clover” (as in “over and over”) which is also appropriate. That song was released by Tommy James & the Shondells in 1968.
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