The upcoming series Cicadas is slated to debut on Kinopoisk on October 26, with confirmation coming from the Kinopoisk press team. As the show rolls out, episodes will be released weekly, building anticipation and giving audiences time to immerse themselves in the unfolding mystery. The project is brought to screen by a director renowned for crafting tense, character-driven narratives, and a screenwriter whose work spans acclaimed dramas and suspenseful thrillers. This collaboration promises a layered and atmospheric drama that keeps viewers guessing from start to finish.
The directorial vision centers on Evgeny Stychkin, celebrated for projects such as Cicadas, Patient Zero, and Communication. The writing is by Ekaterina Tirdatova, whose previous credits include titles like Castle, Sklifosovsky, and Market. Their combined experience signals a sophisticated approach to storytelling, where character psychology and procedural detail intersect to drive the plot forward. The series is expected to fuse intimate character moments with broader investigative elements, delivering a narrative that resonates with audiences who enjoy puzzle-driven mysteries and ensemble casts.
At the heart of the storyline are recent high school graduates who are drawn into a shocking tragedy at a party. The incident initiates a complex inquiry that involves the graduates themselves, their parents, and an investigator who must piece together a coherent picture of what happened. As questioning intensifies, old secrets surface and new tensions emerge, forcing each character to confront personal truths and the consequences of their actions. The structure invites viewers to follow the evolving timeline as testimonies, clues, and conflicting memories gradually converge into a fuller understanding of the night’s events.
The ensemble cast features a mix of established and rising actors who bring depth and nuance to their roles. Notable performers include Igor Vernik’s son Grigory, alongside Sofia Arzhanykh, Ilya Vinogorsky, Katya Voronina, Kirill Bukhantsev, Irina Pautova, Savely Naumov, and Sergei Gorodnichiy. The performances are expected to anchor the drama, offering authentic portrayals of teenage experiences, family dynamics, and the pressure of living under scrutiny after a tragedy. The chemistry among the leads is highlighted as a key driver of the series, with on-screen collaborations shaping the tension and emotional resonance of the narrative arc.
Lead actress Sofia Arzhanykh commented on the opportunity to work opposite Grigory Vernik, noting a previous collaboration that fostered a strong, comfortable on-set rapport. She described the experience as a meaningful partnership that contributes to the series’ authentic energy and collaborative spirit. The project also features a robust supporting cast, including Olga Sutulova, Ekaterina Varnava, Sergey Umanov, Ksenia Ryabinkina, Elizaveta Boyarskaya, Evgeny Sannikov, Evgeny Stychkin, Victoria Tolstoganova, and Artem Bystrov, whose performances enrich the storytelling with credibility and nuance. The blend of seasoned performers and new talents promises a dynamic drama with broad appeal across different audience segments.
The series made its premiere at the New Season online cinema festival, introducing viewers to its distinctive mood and narrative approach. This initial reception serves as a platform for broader distribution and audience engagement as the show progresses through its weekly release schedule. The program’s success is anticipated to hinge on its ability to balance suspenseful investigative beats with meaningful character development, a combination that can captivate both thriller fans and viewers who appreciate character-centric drama.
In related cinema news from Russia, the horror genre continues to attract attention with notable titles that have earned critical and popular recognition. The film Get Out, for instance, has been ranked highly on lists of standout horror movies of the century, reflecting ongoing interest in suspenseful storytelling and provocative, atmospherically charged cinema. These trends underscore a broader appetite for smart, well-crafted narratives that blend tension, emotion, and narrative surprises across the screen media landscape.