On March 20, 2026, the first official still from Martin Scorsese's new film "What Happens at Night," starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, leaked online. In the image, the star couple appears as spouses, and next to them is a real surprise for the Russian viewer: the legendary UAZ-31514.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Peter Cameron. The plot tells the story of a young couple who, despite the wife's serious oncological disease, decide to adopt a child. The story promises to combine elements of family drama, psychological tension, and a mystical thriller.
Russian cars in world cinema: a few striking examples
The appearance of the UAZ-31514 in a Hollywood project is not a unique event. Soviet and Russian cars have repeatedly appeared in foreign films, playing the role of atmospheric props and helping to create the necessary historical or geographical context.
One of the most famous examples is the UAZ-469 in the film "Rambo 3" (1988). The SUV was used in combat scenes in Afghanistan, emphasizing the harshness and authenticity of the location. The car became part of the visual language of the film, helping the viewer to instantly immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the conflict.
No less memorable was the appearance of the Volga GAZ-3110 in the action movie "The Bourne Supremacy" (2004). In one of the most dynamic scenes, Matt Damon steals this car in Moscow, demonstrating masterful driving on narrow streets. For this sequence of stunts, the film received a Taurus Award in the category of "Best Vehicle Stunt" - a rare recognition for a scene involving a Soviet car.
Another iconic example is the Niva VAZ-2121 in the film "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (2013). Ben Stiller's character escapes from a volcanic eruption in Iceland in this SUV. The scene became one of the most memorable in the film, and the Niva unexpectedly became a symbol of resilience and reliability in extreme conditions for many.
Why do directors choose Soviet cars?
Soviet cars have a recognizable design that instantly creates the desired geographical or historical reference. For directors working with themes of the Cold War, the post-Soviet space, or conflict zones, such cars become an effective tool for visual history. In addition, many models are easy to maintain and durable, which is important when filming in difficult conditions.
What to expect from "What Happens at Night"?
Given Scorsese's reputation and the cast, the film promises to be one of the most talked about releases in the near future. The appearance of the UAZ-31514 in the frame is not just a detail of the props, but a possible hint at the location of the action or an important storyline related to the journey of the characters. The official trailer and release date are rumored to be presented at the end of 2026.