The Seagull (2017)
A Russian comedic murder mystery that reimagines Chekhov's classic play through Boris Akunin's darkly playful detective lens.
The Seagull - Movie Information
- Original Title: Чайка 73458
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Dainius Kazlauskas
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Alternative Titles: Чайка (RU)
- Production Companies: Театральная Россия, Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation
- Production Countries: Russia
The Seagull - Plot
What if Konstantin Gavrilovich, from Anton Chekkov's famous play, did not commit suicide and was murdered instead? And who did it? Boris Akunin's take on The Seagull unfolds as a comedic murder mystery.
Where to Watch The Seagull
Looking for where to watch The Seagull?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Seagull - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Dainius Kazlauskas
Main Cast
- Irina Apeksimova
- Aleksandr Metelkin
- Aleksandr Rezalin
- Darya Avratinskaya
- Sergey Veksler
- Anastasiya Kolpikova
- Yuri Smirnov
- Ekaterina Ryabushinskaya
- Galina Volodina
- Yulia Kuvarzina
The Seagull - FAQs
What is The Seagull (2017) about?
The Seagull is a witty Russian murder mystery that turns Chekhov's beloved play on its head. Instead of Konstantin Gavrilovich dying by suicide as in the original, Boris Akunin's reimagining asks who actually killed him — spinning the classic drama into a darkly comic whodunit full of theatrical intrigue.
Is The Seagull based on a true story?
Not a true story, but it's rooted in literary history. The film adapts Boris Akunin's playful reinterpretation of Anton Chekhov's 1896 masterpiece The Seagull. Akunin kept Chekhov's characters and setting intact but rewrote the ending as a murder mystery, blending classic Russian drama with detective fiction.
Where can you watch The Seagull (2017)?
You can watch The Seagull on Amazon Video, where it's available to rent or buy. It's a relatively niche Russian theatrical film, so streaming availability may vary by region — checking JustWatch is a good way to find the most current options near you.
How does Akunin's version differ from Chekhov's original?
Chekhov's original ends with Konstantin taking his own life offstage. Akunin's twist reframes that death as a murder, then invites the audience to consider each character as a potential suspect. The tone shifts from melancholy realism to comedic mystery, while keeping the same cast of tortured artists and unrequited lovers.
Who are the main actors in The Seagull?
The film features Irina Apeksimova as the actress Arkadina, Aleksandr Metelkin as the doomed Konstantin, and Darya Avratinskaya as Nina. Aleksandr Rezalin, Sergey Veksler, Anastasiya Kolpikova, Galina Volodina, and Yulia Kuvarzina round out the ensemble cast.
Who directed The Seagull (2017)?
The Seagull was directed by Dainius Kazlauskas, a Lithuanian-born theater and film director. The production was backed by Teatralnaya Rossiya and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, giving it a strong theatrical pedigree rooted in Russia's rich stage tradition.
Is The Seagull a stage recording or a film?
The Seagull occupies an interesting space between stage and screen. Produced under the Teatralnaya Rossiya banner — a label dedicated to bringing Russian theatrical performances to wider audiences — it is a filmed theatrical production rather than a conventional cinematic feature, preserving the live-performance energy of the original staging.
What are similar films to The Seagull (2017)?
If The Seagull appeals to you, consider Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears (1980) for classic Russian drama, or Closer (2004) for sharp, stage-derived relationship dynamics. Cyrano (2021) and The Wings of the Dove (1997) also share that blend of literary adaptation, unrequited love, and theatrical atmosphere.
More About The Seagull
Explore further details about The Seagull on these trusted databases.