Logline: Facing an invasion of venomous spiders, residents of a suburb building will have to find their way out to survive.
Are you ready to conquer your fears or will you allow them to consume you? Either way, you’ll have to face them at some point. Typically, when we casually discuss our fears and phobias it results in base-level admissions to things like snakes, spiders, the dark, heights, dogs, etc. However, we are all harboring intimate struggles usually reserved for the attentive ears of a therapist or our life companions. From loneliness, losing loved ones, and dying, to poverty, illness, and war, some situations are out of our control but very real. Whether or not it’s comfortable, we must slowly or forcefully chip away at these seemingly impenetrable barriers or they will forever hold us hostage. It won’t be easy but it will be worth it.
“Just hit it!”
Have you ever seen something and thought, it’d be cool if it wasn’t so terrifying? If not, you’re about to have that experience. Scratch that, you’ll probably only feel terror and that creepy crawly itchy feeling. Directed by Sébastien Vaniček, Infested is your worst nightmare. Spiders! Spiders! Spiders! And tons of them. You can’t hear them coming, they can hide anywhere and climb on anything, and often you can get bit and never know. That is until you feel thousands of baby arachnids exiting an open wound. Every great horror film tends to be socially aware, features important themes, and has a message to deliver. These monsters used or created are done out of necessity to induce a jarring and terrifyingly memorable experience that drives their ideal home. This venom-fueled dream-destroyer is of that same ilk. With social commentary revolving around classism and how a vast majority of us are viewed and treated around the world, emotions will run high in a multitude of ways.
Intensely creeping and crawling through this incrementally claustrophobic atmosphere to a heart-pounding soundtrack and hair-raising score, I guarantee you’ll squirm. Even those with an affinity for our silent predators will find it hard to sit still. No joke, after watching this film, I had a face-hugging spider intrude on a seemingly normal dream. It not only woke me up and had me brushing my face, but it slightly infuriated me because I usually never get affected in that way. If that doesn’t tell you how terrifying the film is, I don’t know what will. And I don’t mind spiders. However, they are utilized in such a way that makes them prolific serial killers and disturbing yet majestic web weavers. On the other hand, there is a duality to the nocturnal creatures as they are taken, bought, and sold so where they end up, multiply, and take over is not their fault. Infested serves up more than a little to chew on.
“A fucking nightmare.”
Outside of the multi-eyed nightcrawlers, the French feature harbors layered human characters as well. From working through a devastating loss, broken dreams, and neglected friendships, these are characters that you can relate to and care about. Along with fighting for their lives, it ultimately comes down to deciding whether or not to right the ship or continue to avoid the issues until they become unavoidable. As this human versus monster showdown heightens a subtle parallel can be considered as you are attempting not to void your bladder.
The VFX is terrific. Not only do these eight-legged freaks trigger or supercharge your arachnophobia but they look incredibly realistic. When you remember that spiders continue to evolve in size and intelligence, the possibility of something like Infested happening in some form makes this film exponentially more chilling. The performances are great, the atmosphere is perfect, and overall, it’s a thought-provoking, scary, and fun time. If you love a great scare or want to see who is the jumpiest person in your family or friend group, this is the perfect film to solve the equation. Infested is a fantastic Friday night fright. Its rewatchability is high.
Pace & Pop
The film features a pulse-pounding butt-clinching pace. As it fills you with anxiety and a touch of arachnophobia that may have lied dormant, you’re constantly waiting for something bad to happen. With hip-hop 808s pounding as hard as your heart, the tempo intertwines with the 8-legged creepfest for the perfect scare. What popped for me was how real the film feels and how palpable the tension is. I was affected more than I expected to be. Nightmares are imminent.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Théo Christine, Sofia Lesaffre, Jérôme Niel, Lisa Nyarko, and Finnegan Oldfield
This is a fantastic ensemble performance. While Kaleb (Theo Christine) is the standout and technically the lead, the film wouldn’t feel as heightened without everyone involved bringing the same fraught intensity and fear-filled energy. Wrought with guilt and frustration but full of compassion, Christine breathes life into each scene as Kaleb frantically attempts to rectify his mistakes and survive. His friend and somewhat business partner Mathys played by Jerôme Niel is the unexpected calm and voice of reason and is more heroic than he could imagine. Sofia Lesaffre oozes final girl vibes as she screams and panics through the house of horrors. Lisa Nyarko’s performance represents stoicism and stubbornness that pair well with the rest of the crew. And Finnegan Oldfield’s Jordy is that guy that probably means well but due to his smug attitude and perspective of the film, if anyone has to go, it’s him.
Infested releases in select theaters on April 19, 2024, and begins streaming on Shudder on April 26, 2024. Stay safe and remember your flashlight.
Rated: NR Runtime: 1h 46m Language: French Director: Sébastien Vaniček Writers: Sébastien Vaniček, Florent Bernard Producers: Harry Tordjman, My Box Films Director of Photography: Alexandre Jamin Sound Designer: Samy Bardet Production Design: Arnaud Bouniort Costumes: Marie-Lola Terver, Marlène Hervé Makeup: Stéphanie Guillon, Lucky Nguyen Hair: Nicolas Cueff Editors: Nassim Gordji-Tehrani, Thomas Fernandez VFX: Thierry Onillon, Léo Ewald Music: Douglas Cavanna, Xavier Caux
Infested is your worst nightmare. Spiders! Spiders! Spiders! And tons of them.
- GVN Rating 8
-
User Ratings (0 Votes)
0