Family Bonds Tested by Creepy Crawler

Read Time:4 Minute, 16 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Sting
–

Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Kiah Roache-Turner
Writer(s): Kiah Roache-Turner
Cast: Ryan Corr, Alyla Browne, Penelope Mitchell, Robyn Nevin, Noni Hazelhurst, Silvia Colloca, Danny Kim, Jermaine Fowler
Where To Watch: available in select theaters April 12, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: When the sky over New York City becomes a backdrop for an extraordinary event—a mysterious egg plummeting into a decrepit apartment complex—it signals the beginning of STING. This tale weaves together a monstrous experience. This isn't just any story about an egg; it's the origin of a spider named Sting, set to turn Charlotte's world upside down. Charlotte, a comic book-loving 12-year-old, finds her life entangled with this creature as it grows from a curious anomaly into a dire threat. As the spider's hunger grows, so does the peril, morphing this narrative from a quirky oddity into a desperate fight for survival.

Director Kiah Roache-Turner embarks on a journey to tell this tale of terror with STING, turning his childhood fears into a compelling story of alienation and the pursuit of connection. This film, a labor of love and dread, marries some fun special effects with a heartfelt narrative, crafting a horror experience that's as emotionally resonant as terrifying. Plus, “Charlotte,” ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ it can’t be a coincidence!

At its core, STING delves into the emotional turmoil of its characters, especially Charlotte, who yearns for a sense of belonging in her fragmented family. The narrative, rich with personal reflections and imaginative storytelling, presents a multi-layered exploration of confronting life's literal and metaphorical monsters.

Moreover, the film's integration of graphic novels into its plot does more than deepen character development—it pays homage to Roache-Turner's creative aspirations. The meticulous world-building, from the detailed set design to the thoughtful costume choices, showcases an ambitious endeavor to craft a story that transcends the horror genre's conventions.

STING stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, blending emotional depth with solid production techniques. It's a bold foray into the realms of fear and family, challenging the boundaries of horror with a narrative emphasizing the human capacity to confront and overcome our deepest fears.

However, the film has its fair share of stumbling blocks. Moments of slow pacing occasionally hinder the story's momentum, leaving viewers craving a tighter narrative arc. Additionally, while praiseworthy, the film's focus on character development sometimes dilutes the horror aspect, potentially leaving genre enthusiasts longing for more intensity in their frights. Ultimately, the film struggled to find its footing between being a horror film and wanting to infuse it with more of a drama/thriller style. While many things were done well, the pacing hurt the experience; this didn’t feel like the type of film that should be a slow burn.

Despite these shortcomings, STING is still a noteworthy exploration of the intersections between fear, family, and the fight for survival within the concrete jungle of New York City. It showcases the fruits of facing one's fears head-on, leveraging technology and effects to breathe life into the stuff of nightmares. As Charlotte navigates her fractured family dynamics amidst the chaos, STING unfurls a narrative rich in potential and poignancy, reminding us of the enduring strength found in the face of adversity.

STING tries to redefine what it means to be a horror movie in the modern era. It's not just about the scares; it's about the story, the characters, and the journey they undertake together. Trying to prove that, even in the darkest of times, there's a light to be found in facing our fears, making it a must-watch for anyone who's ever found themselves staring into the unknown, wondering what lurks in the shadows.

#StingMovie

For more reviews, please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestmr.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of WELL GO USA ENTERTAINMENT]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.