Creepy Crawlies Unleash Chaos in Paris

Read Time:3 Minute, 46 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Infested (Vermines)
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 46m
Director(s): Sébastien Vaniček
Writer(s): Florent Bernard, Sébastien Vaniček
Cast: Théo Christine, Finnegan Oldfield, Jérôme Niel, Sofia Lesaffre and Lisa Nyarko
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: streaming on Shudder April 26, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: From the start, Sébastien Vaníček's INFESTED grabs your attention as it veers off the beaten path of typical horror films. More than just a spider scare-fest, this film explores deep into the cracks of societal breakdowns, all within the confines of a Parisian apartment. Here, Kaleb, portrayed by Théo Christine, navigates through a life mired in family conflict and an unusual obsession with exotic animals, turning his birthday into an unforgettable experience.

Kaleb's life spirals into chaos when a seemingly innocent trip to a bazaar ends with him bringing home a venomous spider, quickly turning his apartment complex from cramped living quarters into a den of deadly creatures. This setup and its fallout rapidly escalate from a traditional horror scenario into a piercing examination of the margins of society, with the rapidly multiplying spiders symbolizing the plight of the urban marginalized. Tackling horror and social commentary was an interesting twist I didn’t see coming. Oddly enough, this is the third “killer spider” movie I’ve seen this year, and each brings something unique. Although without question, this brings the most vital message.

Vaníček demonstrates a masterful control of suspense, blending practical effects with CGI to craft scenes that keep audiences on the edge of their seats without tipping into excess. The CGI was used sparingly and, for the most part, only when needed. The resulting creature effects are helpful and feel palpably real, enhancing the gritty texture of the film.

The true essence of INFESTED lies in its rich narrative. The story explores alienation and societal pressures as Kaleb and his diverse group of neighbors are pushed together by circumstance, transforming their collective fight for survival into a poignant journey about community resilience and the human spirit's indomitability.

Despite a few criticisms regarding the film's pacing and character development—mainly as the story rushes towards its climax—the overall impact of INFESTED remains profound. While also offering an engaging mix of thrilling sequences and profound commentary.

Christine's portrayal of Kaleb brings complexity to INFESTED. His performance navigates through layers of personal turmoil and the desperate fight for survival, anchoring the film's more fantastical elements with a relatable human struggle. His journey, marked by loss and fierce determination, provides the emotional core that invites the audience to root for his character. While the film tackles deeper themes, it’s still a horror/thriller on the surface.

INFESTED is a bold commentary on societal issues wrapped in the trappings of a genre film. It invites viewers to look beyond mere scares to engage with underlying problems within our larger world, setting it apart in the landscape of modern horror films. As a debut feature, it showcases Sébastien Vaníček's potential to create thought-provoking, compelling cinema that challenges and entertains. For those who appreciate a horror film that pairs its thrills with thoughtful reflection, INFESTED is a must-see, promising shocks and substance in equal measure.

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[photo courtesy of SHUDDER]

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