Episode four fucks me up for a lot of reasons but that opening montage especially is peak cinema. Two and a half years playing out in five minutes but for once we actually get to see the passage of time occur. The clear illustration of their different social lives. Ilya going out at every opportunity, picking up women, drinking, staying detached, staying numb. Shane jogging with Hayden and staying in, reading, taking every sponsorship, never letting loose. The intercut workout scenes, the playful texting, the barely concealed longing. Checking the schedules, eagerly anticipating their next chance to meet up. That. Fucking. Smash cut. Ilya slamming him into the boards then slamming into him on the couch. Shane's back-to-back wins, Ilya's earnest pride, his played up frustration. That champagne scene. Shane being more interested in sending a cheeky text than celebrating with his teammates. Their summers spent apart, texting, their winters spent on the ice, meeting up. Them barely being able to break apart from each other long enough to actually take their clothes off or get to the bedroom. Their phones constantly kept close, constantly being checked, neither one wanting to reach out without reason but always hoping the other one has. The stark contrast between their family lives, Shane being managed by his mom, chatting with his dad, Ilya taking care of his rapidly deteriorating father. Ilya growing disinterested in finding other available partners. Svetlana clocking the change in him. My Moon My Man playing throughout all of it. Honestly, poetry in motion.
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