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Locust is a 2015 Russian erotic thriller directed by Egor Baranov. Originally titled Саранча (Sarancha), the film delves into themes of love, betrayal, and violence, set against the backdrop of a summer romance. The narrative centers on Artyom, a simple provincial worker and poet, who encounters Lera, a wealthy Moscow bohemian girl, at a seaside resort. Their passionate summer fling quickly becomes complicated as they return to their respective lives, revealing the stark contrasts between their worlds.
As the story unfolds, Lera returns to Moscow to pursue her studies and career, while Artyom follows her in hopes of rekindling their romance. However, he discovers that Lera is now engaged to Gurevich, her father's business partner. This revelation sets off a chain of events that intertwines their lives once more. In a twist of fate, Artyom becomes involved with an older woman named Natalia, only to find himself drawn back to Lera. The rekindled relationship spirals into chaos, culminating in a series of brutal murders that challenge the characters' morals and desires.
The film features a talented cast, including Pyotr Fyodorov as Artyom, Paulina Andreeva as Lera, Dmitri Shevchenko as Gurevich, Yekaterina Volkova as Natalia, and Evgeniya Dmitrieva as Irina. Produced by Sreda, Locust was filmed in various locations across Moscow and Odessa. With a runtime of 118 minutes and a production budget of approximately $2 million, the film grossed around $477,167 at the box office.
Locust has been noted for being one of the first erotic thrillers in Russian cinema. While it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike—some praising its intense narrative and others criticizing its execution—it has sparked discussions about its themes and portrayal of relationships. An extended version of the film aired on Channel One Russia in 2016, further expanding its reach and impact within the Russian film landscape.