Russian actress Lyubov Aksenova stars as a wrongfully convicted mother seeking revenge in the new crime drama series Kholod on streaming platform START.
The series follows Zhenya, whose life is shattered when a tragic car accident kills her husband and young daughter. She is subsequently blamed for a crime she did not commit and receives a lengthy sentence in a penal colony.
While serving her term, Zhenya is forced to learn how to survive behind bars. She forms a pivotal friendship with Yana, an experienced fellow inmate who becomes her mentor. Rather than accepting her fate, Zhenya uses her time in prison to prepare for her eventual release and plan retaliation against those responsible for destroying her family and stealing her freedom.
A Modern Twist on Alexandre Dumas
The show reimagines the classic 1844 novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, shifting the narrative to a contemporary setting and swapping the iconic protagonist Edmond Dantes for a female lead. Despite the change of era and gender, the central premise remains faithful to the original work, focusing on unfair punishment, years of patient preparation, and a carefully calculated plan for retribution.
Dumas' original French masterpiece centers on a young sailor falsely accused of treason who escapes from an island fortress to systematically ruin his betrayers. In Kholod, Zhenya similarly returns from prison into a world that has moved on, transformed from an ordinary mother into a relentless fighter determined to obtain justice at any cost.
Starring Cast and Key Characters
Alongside Aksenova, the series features prominent actors Larisa Guzeeva, Linda Lapinsh, and Petr Fedorov. Guzeeva plays a particularly central role as an influential, tough figure with deep ties to the criminal underworld, adding a formidable layer of opposition to the narrative. Every major character shares a connection with Zhenya's past, driving the central conflict forward as their personal histories collide.
Moral Struggle and Where to Watch
Beyond the suspense of Zhenya's quest for revenge, the drama explores whether she can maintain her sense of self when retribution becomes her sole purpose. As she closes in on her targets, the line between seeking justice and inflicting harm grows increasingly blurred. Episodes of Kholod are available to stream on the online cinema service START.
