It turns out that Horror movies about spiders are a bit like buses – you wait ages for one and then two come along at once! After the release of Sting (Kiah Roache-Turner) a few weeks ago, now comes Infested (original title Vermines) available for streaming on Shudder April 26, 2024. It should be noted that the two films are not actually related to each other, although they do share a number of similarities with both films being set in an apartment block and featuring a ‘pet’ spider that gets completely out of control.
From Sebastien Vanicek, in his feature directorial debut, Infested follows Kaleb (Theo Christine: How I Became A Superhero 2020, Gran Turismo 2023). He lives with his sister Manon (Lisa Nyarko) in a rundown apartment complex in Paris. Struggling to get by after their mother’s death, Kaleb makes money by re-selling collectible sneakers whilst Manon spends her time trying to renovate their apartment which regularly cuts off the electricity supply that Kaleb relies on to keep his collection of exotic animals alive.
One day Kaleb buys a new spider from convenience store owner Ali (Samir Nait) who also runs a black market selling goods from the back of his store. Unbeknownst to Kaleb, Ali obtained the spider from a group of men who did not all survive the process of retrieving it in the first place. Happy with his new purchase, Kaleb brings the spider back to his and Manon’s home unaware of the terrifying creature that he now has in his possession.
Infested works on a number of levels. Not only is it every arachnophobe’s worst nightmare, the film also offers interesting social commentary particularly on that of the police and how those in authority treat the more vulnerable. Once the apartment complex is beset with hundreds of spiders, it is locked down by police trapping the residents inside with no mercy. Brute force is used when some people try to escape, and Kaleb and his friends are treated in a certain way. For example, earlier in the film, it is presumed that a shoebox passed between two of the friends must contain drugs when it does in fact simply contain shoes.
Aside from the societal context of the film, the Horror element is truly effective. The decision not to use puppetry and instead use real spiders, as well as CGI at points, could have potentially made the spiders look too easily defeated but that is certainly not the case! Keeping the spiders true to size works really well as they never look too cartoonish, and an element of realism is maintained. There is no doubt about it – these spiders will send a shiver down your spine!
Infested is a really intense film, this is not a Horror Comedy, and the threat is sustained and real throughout. Visually the film is really strong, maintaining a dark color palette throughout and making good use of lighting so that the circumstances always feel dire. Overall this is an incredibly strong debut from Vanicek that shows great promise and if you didn’t mind spiders before… you will now! That is why Cryptic Rock gives Infested 4 out of 5 stars.
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