Parallel Lives

When Russia launches its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Tetyana’s life in Lviv changes overnight. Air raid sirens and the ache of waiting for word from her husband on the frontline become the rhythm of daily life. From Amsterdam, Marlon reaches out to her friend with a simple message: “How are you and your family?” Soon after, her own life abruptly fractures.

Drawn from four years of messages, Parallel Lives offers an intimate portrait of wartime Ukraine and of two women navigating parallel paths of shock, survival, and renewal. Across borders and very different realities, their ongoing conversation becomes a safe haven.

With tenderness, honesty, and humanity, Tetyana and Marlon reveal how small acts of kindness can become a lifeline and how simply being there for someone can be a profound act of love.