Writer & director Kiah Roache-Turner delivers a solid feature debut with “Sting” from Well Go USA. During a stormy evening in New York City, a mysterious object descends from the sky and shatters the window of a dilapidated apartment building. The object, an egg, contains within it a peculiar little spider.
The spider is discovered by Charlotte (Alya Brown), a 12-year-old girl passionate about comic books. Despite Ethan (Ryan Corr), her stepfather, attempting to connect with her through their collaborative comic book creation, “Fang Girl,” Charlotte feels secluded. Her mother, Heather (Penelope Mitchell), and Ethan are preoccupied with their new child and are struggling to cope. Charlotte takes solace in the spider, which she keeps as a clandestine pet, naming it Sting. As Charlotte’s curiosity about Sting intensifies, so does its size. Sting grows alarmingly, and its craving for blood becomes insatiable. The pets of the building’s neighbors begin to vanish, followed by the neighbors themselves. It isn’t long before Charlotte’s family and the building’s eccentric inhabitants realize they are trapped and hunted by a voracious, gigantic arachnid with an appetite for human flesh. Only Charlotte knows how to end the mayhem and must fight for her family’s survival.
Considering the given budget and runtime, the cast’s performances in “Sting” are found to be strong. The young actress who portrays Charlotte, in particular, captures the character’s complex emotions with depth and authenticity. In addition, the special effects depicting Sting’s growth and terrifying presence are both impressive and horrifying, adding to the overall sense of dread and unease that permeates the film. The director’s skillful pacing and atmospheric cinematography significantly contribute to the sense of claustrophobia and isolation that characterizes the story. This action draws viewers deeper into the suspenseful “Sting” world, creating a gripping and immersive experience.
“Sting” is a commendable debut horror film that offers a fresh perspective on the creature feature genre. With its unique blend of coming-of-age themes, family drama, and monstrous terror, this movie is undoubtedly worth viewing for those interested in the genre.
Final Grade: B
“Sting” opens in theaters on April 12th.
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