Entertainment Blog #290 | Infested [2023] : A Chilling Creature Feature with a Social Conscience
Most people are afraid of spiders. But some people even like to grow them as pets. They even like to talk about different species and what are the good things and what are the bad things of those creatures are. What I know is, if you are doing something, make sure you do that right. If not, even others may get in trouble.
Infested (2023) isn’t just a typical horror flick about creepy-crawlies; it digs deeper, highlighting the human experience and societal fractures. The plot revolves around Kaleb, a young man from a Parisian suburb who accidentally unleashes a deadly spider infestation. Just like the spiders, the residents of these banlieues are often unfairly judged and ostracized, making this horror tale a dark metaphor for xenophobia and societal alienation. This narrative cleverly ties into everyday life, as it draws parallels between the fear of the "other" and our tendency to fear what we don’t understand.
Infested marks the feature directorial debut of French filmmaker Sébastien Vaniček, who conceived the film as a pointed social commentary wrapped in a horror package. Released in France on December 27, 2023, and later on Shudder in April 2024, it quickly garnered attention. Starring Théo Christine, Sofia Lesaffre, and Jérôme Niel, the film’s ensemble cast brings a raw intensity to the screen, elevating its indie feel. The movie had its international premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, setting the stage for its broader release across North America and Europe, thanks to Shudder’s acquisition.
The plot kicks off in the Middle East, where smugglers hunt for exotic spiders, resulting in a deadly bite and a tragic incident. The real chaos starts when one of these spiders finds its way into Kaleb's suburban apartment in Paris. Kaleb sell sneakers in the neighborhood. The tension escalates as the spider escapes, rapidly multiplying and causing chaos in the building. The escalating infestation mirrors the mounting tensions between the residents, their xenophobic neighbor, Gilles, and a sense of dread that something much darker is lurking beneath the surface. As Kaleb’s world spirals out of control, he must face the consequences of his actions, all while trying to survive the spider apocalypse.
As the infestation worsens, the film keeps you on edge, blending creature horror with human drama. Kaleb and his small group of friends and family are forced to band together, but cracks in their relationships widen under the strain. The film does an excellent job of building tension without revealing too much too soon. With each passing scene, the spiders grow more menacing, making the apartment complex feel increasingly claustrophobic. The film climaxes with an intense showdown, balancing suspense with surprising emotional beats.
What sets Infested apart from other creature features is its intelligent use of the spiders as a metaphor for societal fear and prejudice. While many horror films rely solely on scares, this one digs deeper, exploring how the fear of the "other" manifests both in the monstrous spiders and the human interactions. Vaniček’s decision to set the film in a multicultural French suburb adds layers of authenticity and commentary, reflecting real societal issues in France and beyond.
Critically, Infested was met with a mostly positive reception. With a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes, critics praised its effective use of horror tropes while maintaining a sharp commentary on xenophobia. Metacritic gave it a more modest score of 70, highlighting some polarizing views on its narrative structure. While Stephen King lauded the film as "scary, gross, and well-made," others like Slant Magazine felt the character development fell short, overshadowed by its urgency to deliver thrills. Still, it managed to sweep awards at genre festivals like Fantastic Fest and Sitges, further cementing its place in the horror canon.
With a modest budget and box office returns of $2.4 million globally, Infested proves that you don’t need big bucks to make a chilling, thoughtful horror film. Its effective use of practical effects (real spiders!) and CGI, combined with a tight script and strong performances, make it a standout. In conclusion, Infested is a thought-provoking horror flick that weaves social commentary into a thrilling narrative. It may not be perfect, but it delivers both in terms of scares and substance, making it worth a watch for horror fans craving something deeper than your average creature feature.