Night Swallows is a Russian historical drama series directed by Mikhail Tarasov and starring Tatyana Arntgolts and Elizaveta Nilova. Set during World War II, the show follows a group of women pilots who become part of the Soviet Night Witches regiment. The story revolves around the experiences of Katya (Arntgolts) and Sasha (Nilova), two sisters who join the Soviet military in order to avenge the death of their brother at the hands of the Nazis. Despite facing strong resistance from their family and society, the sisters manage to get accepted into the Night Witches regiment, where they undergo rigorous training and find their own identity as skilled pilots. Along with their fellow Night Witches, they undertake dangerous missions, delivering bombs to German targets under cover of darkness while facing enemy fire and harsh weather conditions.
Throughout the series, Night Swallows portrays the struggles and sacrifices of female pilots who fought on the frontlines of WWII. It also delves into the personal lives of the characters, exploring their relationships with each other and with their families back home. The show highlights the challenges women faced in a male-dominated society, as well as the strength and resilience they showcased in the face of adversity.
Arntgolts and Nilova deliver powerful performances as the two lead characters, bringing depth and nuance to their portrayals of women who are both fierce and vulnerable. The supporting cast also shines, with standout performances from Sergey Puskepalis as the Night Witches' commander, and Aleksandr Efremov as Katya and Sasha's father.
The series is well-shot and beautifully captures the stark beauty of the Russian landscape, as well as the tension and danger of the wartime setting. The aerial combat scenes are especially well done, showcasing the bravery and skill of the Night Witches as they fly their planes in the face of enemy fire.
Night Swallows is a gripping, emotional drama that both entertains and educates. It sheds light on a little-known aspect of WWII history and honors the bravery and sacrifice of the women who fought in it. With its strong performances and powerful storytelling, it is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and war films alike.
Night Swallows is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between January 28, 2013 and on Janson Media