“Sting” (2024) Movie Review: A Creepy Crawly with Limited Impact
“Sting,” directed by Kiah Roache-Turner, brings a fresh yet underwhelming take on the creature feature genre. Running at just 91 minutes, including credits, this film pits a flesh-eating spider against the inhabitants of a Brooklyn apartment building. With impressive creature effects from Wētā Workshop, known for their work on “The Lord of the Rings,” “Sting” promises a thrilling horror experience but falls short in delivering a fully satisfying narrative.
Plot Overview
Set in a gritty Brooklyn apartment complex, “Sting” introduces us to Ethan (Ryan Corr), a struggling comic book artist and the building’s superintendent. Ethan’s life is a balancing act between his demanding job, his role as a father to the angsty pre-teen Charlotte (Alyla Brown), and his relationship with his ex-partner Heather (Penelope Mitchell). The film’s tension escalates with the appearance of a mysterious pest issue, which is compounded by Charlotte’s discovery of a giant spider that has crash-landed in the building.
Creature Feature with a Missing Bite
Despite the intriguing premise, “Sting” struggles to deliver the chills and thrills expected from a creature feature. The film’s spider, designed by Wētā Workshop, looks convincingly menacing but lacks the innovation that could have elevated it beyond a generic threat. The spider’s design—a large black arachnid with a small red stripe—feels disappointingly conventional.
The movie attempts to draw on Spielbergian influences, focusing on the strained relationships within Ethan’s family while adding a layer of horror. Unfortunately, the emotional depth and suspense fall short. The scenes involving the spider, while visually effective, are rushed and fail to build the necessary tension. The result is a creature feature that feels more like a missed opportunity than a new genre classic.
Character Development and Performance
The characters in “Sting” are archetypal and underdeveloped. Ethan’s dual roles as a father and super are introduced but not deeply explored. His relationship with Charlotte, although central to the plot, lacks the emotional resonance it needs to drive the story. Charlotte, portrayed by Alyla Brown, is the most engaging character, largely due to her situation and the peril she faces. However, even her character arc feels superficial.
Supporting characters like the eccentric building manager Gunter (Robyn Nevin) and the wisecracking exterminator Frank (Jermaine Fowler) have potential but are not given enough screen time or development to make a significant impact. Their interactions with Ethan and Charlotte are meant to add humor and tension but end up feeling more like filler than integral parts of the story.
Thematic Elements and Missed Opportunities
“Sting” attempts to explore themes of family and responsibility amidst the horror but falls short of providing a meaningful commentary. The film hints at deeper themes through its portrayal of Ethan’s struggle to balance his personal and professional life, but these elements are overshadowed by the creature feature aspects. The potential for a more nuanced exploration of family dynamics in the face of a terrifying threat is not fully realized.
Where to Watch “Sting” Online
As of now, “Sting” is available for streaming and digital rental/purchase in various platforms. Here are some options for watching the film:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase in HD quality.
- Apple TV: Can be rented or bought through the iTunes store.
- Vudu: Offers rental and purchase options for the film in multiple formats.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Provides rental and purchase options for HD viewing.
Conclusion
“Sting” offers a polished yet underwhelming addition to the creature feature genre. While the film benefits from impressive creature effects by Wētā Workshop and a promising premise, it ultimately fails to deliver the suspense and emotional depth needed to make it memorable. With a runtime that leaves little room for character development and a creature that, despite its impressive design, lacks originality, “Sting” is a film that might appeal to genre enthusiasts but may not satisfy those looking for a more substantial horror experience.
For those interested in a quick horror fix or a peek at Wētā’s latest work, “Sting” is worth a watch. However, if you’re seeking a more substantial or innovative entry in the creature feature genre, you might want to look elsewhere.
