Infested: A Nightmarish Arachnid Invasion

Directed by: Sébastien Vanicek  

Starring: Théo Christine, Lisa Nyarko, Jérôme Niel, Finnegan Oldfield, Sofia Lesaffre

**Rating:** ★★★★☆

Spiders. Why’d it have to be spiders? For those of us who flinch at the sight of these many-legged arachnids, the thought of them crawling through our homes is the stuff of nightmares. In Sébastien Vanicek’s feature debut, “Infested,” viewers are plunged into a world overrun by these creepy crawlies, resulting in a monstrous horror experience that is sure to make you jump, squirm, and maybe even scream.

Plot Summary:

“Infested” follows Kaleb (Théo Christine), a young man with a passion for collecting exotic creatures, much to the chagrin of his sister, Manon (Lisa Nyarko). While Manon focuses on renovating their deceased mother’s apartment to sell, Kaleb’s future remains uncertain, marked by his side hustle of selling high-priced Nike shoes. Kaleb’s unconventional hobby becomes a nightmare when a poisonous spider escapes and begins to lay eggs throughout the apartment complex. As the infestation spirals out of control, Kaleb, Manon, and their friends Mathys (Jérôme Niel), Jordy (Finnegan Oldfield), and Lila (Sofia Lesaffre) must fight for their lives against the growing arachnid threat.

Arachnid Horror and Influences:

The fear of spiders is a well-trodden path in horror cinema, from the 1955 classic “Tarantula” to the small-town terror of “Arachnophobia” and the campy fun of “Eight Legged Freaks.” “Infested” taps into these primal fears, amplifying them with a modern twist. Vanicek’s spiders are not only poisonous but also grow exponentially, attack in packs, and possess a lethality that is horrifyingly effective. Their bites are deadly, their numbers overwhelming, and their presence utterly invasive.

Atmosphere and Cinematography:

Vanicek’s film creates an atmosphere of relentless dread, turning the apartment complex into a labyrinth of terror. The cinematography captures every shadowy corner, every dark crevice where spiders might lurk, weaving an ever-present sense of danger. The use of confined spaces echoes the claustrophobic horror of films like David Cronenberg’s “Shivers,” where threats are inescapable, and the enemy is all around.

Themes and Social Commentary:

Co-written with Florent Bernard, the screenplay delves deeper than mere jump scares. It paints a vivid picture of Kaleb’s community, highlighting the social dynamics and strained relationships within the apartment complex. The film subtly critiques societal neglect of lower-income neighborhoods, drawing parallels to the early days of COVID-19 isolation, where fear and survival instincts took precedence. This layer of social commentary adds depth to the narrative, making the horror more resonant and impactful.

Character and Performance:

Théo Christine shines as Kaleb, a character who is more than just a spider enthusiast. He is a flawed yet relatable protagonist, struggling to do right by his family and neighbors despite his own missteps. The supporting cast, including Lisa Nyarko as his pragmatic sister and Jérôme Niel as his loyal friend, add richness to the story, portraying a community on the brink of collapse.

Conclusion:

“Infested” is a spine-tingling roller coaster of a horror film that taps into our deepest fears of invasion and the unknown. Sébastien Vanicek’s debut feature is a masterclass in building tension and dread, turning a dilapidated apartment complex into a nightmarish battleground. For those brave enough to face their arachnid anxieties, “Infested” offers a terrifying yet exhilarating ride.

With its intense atmosphere, social nuance, and relentless horror, “Infested” is a standout in the genre, ensuring that spiders will continue to haunt our nightmares long after the credits roll. So, turn off the lights, brace yourself, and dive into the eight-legged terror of “Infested.” Just be prepared to check every corner of your room before you sleep.