Fedor Fedotov
Matvey
Overview
1899, the Christmas-time St.Petersburg. Ice-covered rivers and canals of the capital seethe with festive activities. On the eve of the new century those who should not be destined to meet, come together. They are people from different worlds: Matvey, the son of a lamplighter, whose only treasure is his silver-plated skates; Alice is the daughter of a high-ranking official dreaming of science. Each of them has his own difficult life-story, but having accidentally met they rush forward together in pursuit of their dreams.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Ice Beneath the Gilded Surface
I’ve always been drawn to films that treat winter not as a backdrop but as a character—something that shapes movement, breath, and fate. Silver Skates, Michael Lockshin’s 2020 Russian period drama, understands this instinctively. Set in St. Petersburg at the close of the 19th century, the film unfolds on a city frozen in time, its rivers and canals transformed into glittering thoroughfares where the poor and the privileged skate past one another, literally and figuratively.
The ice here is both a stage and a barrier, a surface that promises freedom while hiding the currents beneath.
The story follows two teenagers from opposite ends of society: Matvey (Fedor Fedotov), the son of a lamplighter, whose prized possession is a pair of silver-plated skates, and Alice (Sonia Priss), the daughter of a high-ranking official, who dreams of studying science in a world that has no place for women with such ambitions. Their chance meeting on the ice sets off a chain of events that feels both inevitable and precarious, like the moment before a fall.
The film’s tagline—"A Magical Journey Awaits You!"—sells it a bit short. This isn’t a fairy tale, though it has the trappings of one. It’s a story about the weight of dreams, and how easily they can crack under the pressure of reality.
Lockshin, a director whose previous work I’m unfamiliar with, has a keen eye for the contrasts that define St. Petersburg at the turn of the century. The city is a character in its own right, a place of gilded palaces and squalid tenements, where the rich glide effortlessly across the ice while the poor struggle to keep their footing.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.2/10
"A visually stunning and emotionally charged romance set against a gritty historical backdrop, but struggles with pacing and underdeveloped side characters."
Viewers praise the film for its breathtaking cinematography and the palpable chemistry between the lead actors, which brings depth to the romantic and dramatic elements. latestnetflix.com's view is that however, the story’s pacing and reliance on familiar tropes leave some wanting more originality, while the supporting cast often fades into the background, lacking the same depth as the protagonists.
What viewers praise
- Striking visuals The film’s cinematography and wintery aesthetic create a captivating atmosphere that enhances the story’s emotional weight.
- Strong lead chemistry Fedor Fedotov and Sonia Priss deliver compelling performances, making their romantic and dramatic interactions feel authentic and engaging.
- Historical atmosphere The setting and period details immerse viewers in the film’s world, adding richness to the narrative.
- Emotional depth The story’s romantic and dramatic moments resonate, particularly in scenes focusing on the leads’ relationship.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot The story follows well-worn romantic and crime drama tropes, offering few surprises for those familiar with the genre.
- Weak supporting cast Side characters lack development, often feeling one-dimensional compared to the leads.
- Uneven pacing Some scenes drag, while others rush through key moments, disrupting the film’s flow.
- Underutilized potential The film’s strong visuals and lead performances suggest a more ambitious story than what is delivered.
Recommended for
Historical romance lovers Fans of visually rich dramas Admirers of strong lead performances Winter setting enthusiasts Indie film aficionados
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of Silver Skates: A Russian Winter Romance with Grit and Glamour
Michael Lockshin’s Silver Skates (2020) glides onto screens as a lush, snow-dusted historical romance set in 19th-century St. Petersburg, but the making of the film was anything but a fairy tale. latestnetflix.com's view is that with a breakout lead, a grueling shoot, and a release strategy that pivoted to streaming, the production offers a mix of old-world charm and modern-day hustle.
Fedor Fedotov’s Star Turn
At the heart of Silver Skates is Fedor Fedotov, a then-20-year-old actor who carried the film as Matvey, a poor delivery boy who falls for a noblewoman’s daughter (Sonia Priss). Fedotov’s performance was a career-defining moment—his first leading role in a major Russian production 
. The film’s success catapulted him into the spotlight, with critics and audiences alike praising his raw, physical portrayal of a young man navigating class barriers on ice skates. While the evidence doesn’t detail his audition process, the role’s demands—balancing romance, action, and period dialogue—suggest a rigorous casting search.
A Winter Shoot: Beauty and Brutality
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1NML88Srew
Filming in St. Petersburg’s frigid winters was no easy feat. Behind-the-scenes footage reveals the cast and crew battling subzero temperatures while shooting elaborate ice-skating sequences . The film’s titular silver skates, a symbol of freedom and forbidden love, required precise choreography, with Fedotov and Priss training extensively to make their on-ice chemistry look effortless. Rumors (unconfirmed) suggest some scenes were reshot due to weather disruptions, though no official accounts detail the extent of the delays.
The production leaned into practical effects, with real frozen canals and period-accurate costumes adding authenticity. However, the film’s 130-minute runtime hints at a meticulous edit, likely trimming hours of footage to maintain its romantic-adventure pacing .
From Theaters to Netflix: A Release U-Turn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPTv8vOnfiY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-_Q1CBLo6E
Originally slated for a theatrical release in Russia, Silver Skates faced a rocky rollout. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a delay, and by the time it hit screens in 2021, its distribution strategy had shifted. Netflix acquired the rights, giving the film a second life as a global streaming title . The platform’s teaser emphasized the film’s sweeping visuals and star-crossed romance, positioning it as a winter alternative to The Nutcracker or Anna Karenina.
Critically, the reception was mixed. While some praised its cinematography and Fedotov’s performance, others found the plot predictable. The film holds a 6.4/10 rating on SensCritique, with voters noting its "beautiful but uneven" blend of drama and adventure . Rotten Tomatoes’ sparse listing suggests limited Western critical coverage, though its Netflix debut likely broadened its audience .
The Legacy: A Cult Favorite in the Making?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZXuTIzE6Po
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nz61ixwKRI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMVrrV7oq-g
Despite its flaws, Silver Skates has carved out a niche as a visually striking period piece. Fan-made edits of the Matvey and Alisa romance, set to emotional soundtracks, have racked up millions of views on YouTube, proving the film’s emotional core resonates . Its English-language trailer, targeting international audiences, framed it as a "Russian Titanic on ice," a bold but effective pitch .
For Fedotov, the role remains a calling card. While his post-Skates career has included smaller projects, the film’s cult following ensures it won’t fade into obscurity. As for Lockshin, Silver Skates stands as his most ambitious work to date—a testament to the challenges and rewards of blending historical drama with modern streaming appeal.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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