Based on Amor Towles’s 2016 novel, this series chronicles Russia’s profound transition from the Russian Empire to the USSR, as the world outside is reshaped by revolution, terror, and the rise of the Soviet regime.
In the Paramount Plus series A Gentleman in Moscow, we follow the life of Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, a former member of the Russian aristocracy, who finds himself confined within the walls of the Hotel Metropol in central Moscow as the world outside is reshaped by revolution, terror, and the emergence of the Soviet regime.
Based on Amor Towles’s 2016 novel, the series offers more than just great entertainment—it’s a historical representation of Russia’s transformation from the Russian Empire to the USSR.
Here are a few key moments from the series that stood out to me.
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
1) Revolution: ‘Everything Old Must Be Eliminated’
One of the early themes in the series is the Revolution’s drive to erase the old order. As Alexander watches the world he once knew crumble, we see how the Revolution sought to eliminate all remnants of the aristocracy, from their wealth to their way of life.
The Bolsheviks aimed to rebuild Russia from the ground up, erasing any trace of the Tsarist regime. One particularly absurd moment highlights this—when a waiter, swept up by revolutionary fervor, reported that Alexander enjoyed specific types of wine. In response, the regime ordered that all wine labels be removed so that bottles could no longer be distinguished beyond “red” or “white.” Enjoying fine wine became a state crime.
2) The Illusion of Socialism
As the series progresses, we witness the characters slowly wrapping their heads around the grim reality of socialism under Lenin and Stalin. What began as a vision of equality and fairness quickly devolved into repression, corruption, and suffering. Through Alexander’s eyes, we see the disillusionment among those who once believed in the Revolution’s promises.
Two characters stand out in this evolution: Mikhail Fyodorovich Mindich (Mishka) and Nina Kulikova.
Mishka, a close friend of Alexander’s and perhaps the only person who knew him before his confinement at the Metropol, was instrumental in the early stages of the Bolshevik Revolution. However, he eventually becomes angered by the reality he enabled. In one scene, he confesses to Alexander: “We thought we were building a utopia, but we’ve constructed a prison.” This tragic realization encapsulates that the pursuit of equality comes at the cost of freedom.
Nina is introduced as a young girl who is curious about aristocratic rules and becomes friends with Alexander. However, as she grows older, that curiosity fades, and she becomes a loyal member of the Communist Party. She joins an agricultural planning committee and travels to Ivanovo to aid in collectivization, but when she witnesses the resulting mass starvation, her naïveté shatters.
3) The Holodomor
The series touches on the devastating famine that swept through Ukraine and other parts of the USSR under Stalin. Ukraine, once known as “the breadbasket of Europe,” was exploited for its grain. The series references this tragedy in conversations about scarcity and rationing. You can read more about this episode in history here.
Within the Hotel, Alexander can’t believe the rumors of famine, as food and bread are plentiful during dinners there. This contrast highlights a core element of the Holodomor—the truth was often masked, even by journalists. When Alexander attempts to expose the famine to an American journalist, she advises him to stay silent. We’ve written about this previously at FEE here and here.
The Holodomor remains one of the darkest chapters in Soviet history—a man-made famine that claimed the lives of millions.
4) Stalin’s Cultural Control
One of the more intriguing subplots in the series is that of Anna Urbanova, who later becomes Alexander’s partner. Anna, an actress who initially enjoys high status among the Revolution’s powerful ranks, begins to lose her position as she ages. The regime seeks younger, less outspoken talent. This illustrates perfectly how censorship in socialist regimes extends beyond politics into the cultural and artistic spheres.
Another great FEE piece on real-life cancel culture in the Soviet Union can be found in this article from Larry Read: “How Stalin Canceled ‘Hamlet’ in the Soviet Union—and What It Can Teach Us about Cancel Culture.”
5) The Paranoia of Soviet Life
As Alexander navigates life within the hotel, he becomes aware of the paranoia in Soviet society. The regime thrives on suspicion, with people quick to denounce each other to the secret police. This atmosphere of distrust is palpable, with people constantly looking over their shoulders, fearing betrayal.
This atmosphere existed particularly because betraying someone often meant advancement within the regime. Remember the waiter who denounced Alexander’s passion for good wine? Over the years, his sycophancy earned him the role of hotel manager. The series brilliantly portrays how the KGB’s surveillance and the culture of fear suffocated Soviet citizens.
Conclusion
Needless to say, I had a fantastic time watching A Gentleman in Moscow. More importantly, I was impressed by its rich historical lessons. I highly recommend it—not just for its entertainment value, but for the historical context. And as is often the case, the book might be even better than the TV adaptation, so I’ll be adding that to my reading list.
