The Locusts
Year: 1997
Runtime: 124 mins
Language: English
Director: John Patrick Kelley
Betrayal starts with trust. Ranch owner Delilah Potts is accustomed to choosing men who work her land and share her bed, but the arrival of Clay Hewitt—a handsome drifter with a mysterious past—upends her world. When Clay rejects her, she releases a flood of forbidden passion and deadly secrets, showing him that the darkness he flees is matched by the peril waiting on his new doorstep.
The Locusts (1997) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview
Get a spoiler-free look at The Locusts (1997) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the sweltering summer of 1955, a small Kansas town clings to the rhythm of dust‑laden fields and modest ambitions. The heart of the community is a sprawling cattle ranch owned by a widowed matriarch whose name carries as much reverence as it does whispered caution. Into this world wanders Clay Hewitt, a handsome drifter with a shadowed past, hoping a few weeks of honest work will fund the journey toward a promised reunion with his brother. Shortly after his arrival, he catches the eye of Kitty, the town’s celebrated beauty queen, whose charm masks a curiosity that pulls her toward the outsider. The quiet, observant farmhand Earl becomes Clay’s first point of contact, offering a steady presence amid the unspoken tensions that linger on the acreage.
Delilah Ashford Potts commands the ranch with an alluring blend of authority and sensuality, known for intertwining business with intimacy among the men who tend her land. Her reputation is steeped in stories of whispered affairs and a lingering melancholy that hints at a tragic family history still felt by the townsfolk. Sharing her side of the estate is Joel Carter, a loyal companion whose presence adds a layer of rivalry and intrigue to the daily grind. Also residing on the property is Joseph “Flyboy” Potts, the proprietor’s introverted son whose quiet demeanor and fragile confidence suggest a past riddled with hidden wounds, and whose bond with the animals offers him a fragile sanctuary.
As Clay settles into the rhythm of the ranch, he finds himself caught between Delilah’s magnetic pull and the cautious warmth offered by Kitty and Earl. The dynamics among the residents are a careful dance of attraction, unspoken obligations, and lingering secrets that refuse to stay buried beneath the prairie sky. Beneath the dusty horizons, a palpable tension thrums, promising that the simple act of earning a wage may unravel far more than Clay ever anticipated, drawing him deeper into a world where trust is fragile and betrayal waits in the shadows.
Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:35
Unlock the Full Story of The Locusts
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Locusts in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Locusts is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
The Locusts Summary
Read a complete plot summary of The Locusts, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
The Locusts Timeline
Track the full timeline of The Locusts with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
