The Mainland

Marfa returns with her son to the Pacific island where she grew up and where her father worked as a lighthouse keeper. At the same time, her half-brother Ilya appears on the island, whom Marfa has not seen for many years. Marfa and Ilya are connected by a dark secret. But no matter how much they try to escape from the past, it overtakes them in the form of a mysterious whale cruising off the coast of the island and as if trying to convey something to Marfa.

Directed by Yulia Trofimova, The Mainland leans on a strong ensemble — Anastasia Kuimova, Artyom Bystrov, Platon Gerasimov — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2026.