On Thursday and Never Again 1977

Return to his rural hometown

Sergey arrives back in the rural nature reserve, presenting himself as a son visiting his mother and stepfather. The surrounding quiet stirs old tensions, while the real reason for his trip—Varya's telegram—hovers unspoken. He wrestles with the weight of returning to this world after years in Moscow.

Reunion with Ekaterina Andreyevna

At his mother's home, Ekaterina Andreyevna confronts him, voicing concern and scolding for his cruelty toward the deer. She tries to talk about Varya's pregnancy and his apparent detachment, but Sergey remains distant. Their conversation highlights the widening emotional gap between them.

Telegram reveals Varya's pregnancy

A telegram from Varya arrives, telling him she is pregnant with his child. Sergey feels a tug of responsibility, yet he hesitates, fearing the upheaval of leaving his wife and his glamorous life. The news compounds his inner conflict about what to do next.

Internal conflict about how to proceed

He contemplates how to handle the situation with Varya and the pregnancy, weighing duty against desire. The debate is largely internal, with little clear movement, and his emotions stay cold and measured. The landscape around him seems to reflect his indecision.

Deer shooting

In a moment of impulsive instability, Sergey shoots a tame deer that his mother had nursed, violating the reserve's hunting ban. The act shatters the quiet mood of the reserve and brings a wave of fear and shame to him. Ekaterina looks on with horror as the consequences of his actions begin to unfold.

Mother's scolding and rising distance

Ekaterina scolds him for cruelty and tries again to discuss Varya's pregnancy, yet Sergey’s indifference widens the rift between them. The emotional distance grows as the day progresses, and the mother’s concern intensifies. The family bond is visibly fraying.

Fears of suicide and nonchalance

Ekaterina fears that Varya might resort to suicide, and Sergey responds with nonchalant detachment. The lack of empathy deepens the sense of tragedy already present in the family. The tension between the characters becomes palpable.

Ekaterina wanders into the forest

Overwhelmed by distress, Ekaterina walks into the forest seeking relief, but she collapses from exhaustion or fear. The forest becomes a stage for the family’s unraveling and the looming tragedy. Varya learns of the danger to the mother and races to warn Sergey.

Varya calls Sergey to the scene

Varya locates Ekaterina and hurries to fetch Sergey, hoping to help. Sergey arrives at the scene but too late to save his mother. The failed rescue seals the fate of the day.

The day ends in tragedy

The day ends with the mother's collapse and death cast over the countryside. Sergey is left to confront the irreversible consequences of his choices. The entire trip crystallizes into a personal catastrophe.