Wellness guru Masha Dmitrichenko is up to her same mysterious ways during the Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 premiere — but this time, she’s in a colder climate and her guests appear to be more connected to one another.
During the Wednesday, May 21, episode, Masha (Nicole Kidman) reveals that she is under investigation by the federal government for her controversial drug practices after being arrested during the season 1 finale for giving her California retreat guests’ psychedelic drugs initially without their consent.
Despite the stress, Masha is continuing to make strides in the use of psychedelics to see dead loved ones and process trauma — plus, she’s still seeing visions of her late daughter and keeping it a secret.
To recalibrate, Masha agrees to go to Zauberwald and team up with Helena (Lena Olin), who was vital in her own health journey a decade prior. While at the Austrian Alps retreat, Masha plans to guide nine new strangers on their own wellness journey using mushrooms and other experimental treatments.
Nicole Kidman Returns as Masha in ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ Season 2 Trailer
“None of you are safe,” Masha ominously warns the group during their first meeting. She then pivots the plan and plays coy about her intentions for the retreat to Helena and Martin (Lucas Englander), the on-site scientist.
Scroll down to meet Masha’s new group of strangers:
Peter
Peter (Henry Golding) kicks off his journey around a campfire with hikers claiming he is going to a “rustic cabin” next. His cover is blown when a driver from Zauberwald in a Mercedes picks him up in the woods. Throughout the episode, Peter tries to get a call out to see if his father, David (Mark Strong), is coming like he agreed but there’s no service.
Imogen
Imogen (Annie Murphy) is quiet and a bit snarky when she rides the ski lift with Brian (Murray Bartlett). During their brief discussion in the tram, Imogen hints that she knows of Brian’s past, but he doesn’t recognize her. It is later revealed that Imogen came to the retreat to work on her issues with her mother, Violet (Christine Baranski), who she claims was “neglectful” and “smothering” and a “monster.”
Brian
Brian is the third guest to arrive. His fear of heights is evident as he and Imogen ride up together on a ski lift to the lavish estate. Brian is frustrated after his luggage gets stuck on the lift and even after retrieving it one piece has gone missing, which causes him extra stress.
Agnes
Agnes (Dolly De Leon) is mistaken for a worker by Brian upon his arrival since she’s wearing the employee uniform. Agnes doesn’t correct him and instead takes Brian’s luggage to his room. During the first day, it is revealed that Agnes is a nun that is famous.
Violet
Unlike the other guests, Violet has been to Zauberwald before for various wellness treatments over the years. While she was supposed to come alone, Violet brought her new boy toy, the much younger Matteo (Aras Aydin), which angers her daughter, Imogen, even more.
Matteo
While Imogen is surprised to meet her mom’s new boyfriend, Masha tells Am that Matteo must stay because he’s part of the “plan.” Matteo is foreign, unaware of Violet and Imogen’s family issues and is up for anything.
Wolfie
Wolfie (Maisie Richardson-Sellers) is a British musician who arrives at the retreat with her partner, Tina (King Princess), who has no idea what is about to happen.
Tina
When Tina gets to the retreat, she is happy about the accommodations but her tone changes when she sees a piano in her room. The instrument appears to be a sore spot for Tina, and it sends her into a spiral.
David
David, Peter’s father, is spoken about but not seen for most of the premiere as he’s MIA. When Masha meets the guests on night one, she reveals that they can’t start the “protocol” until everyone is there, noting that David’s presence is necessary to proceed.
At the end of the episode, viewers learn that David is a billionaire who Masha knows from the past. Helena admits she is worried about what his arrival will do to Masha and the group, but Masha claims she’ll “remain in the present.” David, meanwhile, is in Munich working on a business deal which has delayed his arrival.
Nine Perfect Strangers airs Wednesdays on Hulu.
