Infested: Arachnophobia, Step Aside

Sébastien Vaniček’s directorial debut, Infested, is a stylish, tense, and well-crafted film that seamlessly blends horror elements with an emotionally compelling human drama. Set in a run-down French apartment building on the outskirts of Paris, the film revolves around Kaleb (Théo Christine), a 30-year-old hustler living with his sister Manon (Lisa Nyarko). The siblings are struggling to make ends meet while dealing with the aftermath of their mother’s death. Kaleb, an avid exotic animal lover and collector, brings home an unusual poisonous spider, which accidentally escapes from his room. The situation quickly spirals out of control when the spider bites and kills an apartment resident. The entire building descends into chaos as the spiders, which can rapidly reproduce and grow in size, begin killing residents one by one. The police place the apartment under quarantine, and Kaleb, Manon, and other characters, including Jordy (Finnegan Oldfield), Kaleb’s ex-best friend; Lila (Sofia Lesaffre), Manon’s friend and Jordy’s girlfriend; and Mathys (Jérôme Niel), an apartment resident and Kaleb’s friend, face an uphill battle to survive the deadly spider attack.

Infested opens with a gripping scene in which a group of men seeks a spider in the desert, leading to a deadly encounter. This scene sets the tone for the film, establishing a sense of suspense and danger. The audience is given more information about the spider’s abilities and deadly potential, heightening the tension as Kaleb buys the spider. This foreknowledge keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, always concerned for the characters’ safety.

The film features several impressively designed and executed death sequences. In one scene, a man working out in his bedroom observes a large spider in the mirror. When he attempts to eliminate it, he inadvertently uncovers a vast web of spider nests beyond the walls. In another scene, a cleaning lady discovers an overwhelming number of spiders in the apartment’s attic and is attacked when she tries to eliminate them with a spray.

Considering the entire plot unfolds in a single apartment building, the production design is commendable for its meticulous attention to detail. The film’s small apartments and tight hallways build tension, particularly in the scene where Lila is attacked by a spider in the bathroom. The limited lighting and narrow stairs further add to the claustrophobia, which is later perfectly utilized when the spiders are in full attack mode. The apartment’s worldbuilding is noteworthy because it avoids clichés often associated with low-income housing films, instead portraying people going about their daily lives and dealing with prevalent challenges such as money and relationships.

Infested becomes exciting and fast-paced when it enters the survival horror zone, with the characters attempting to escape the building while avoiding the deadly spiders. Nail-biting scenes, like the characters darting into a spider-infested parking garage or dashing towards the terrace with flashlights to evade the spiders, are expertly staged and shot. The climactic action scenes, including a violent altercation with the police, are brutal, intense, and urgent, leaving the audience hoping for the protagonists’ survival.

Apart from the impressive visuals and continuous tension, the film excels in detailed character development. Each character has a unique personality and complex traits. As the film progresses and these characters find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations, viewers learn more about their true selves and the dynamics they share, making us empathize with and root for their survival. Even though the horror aspect is solid, the film’s impact is heightened by these richly realized characters. In fact, it has one of the most emotionally harrowing reactions to a character’s death I’ve seen in years.

Infested flew under the radar following its release, but it is undeniably one of 2024’s best horror films. Coming quickly after the release of Sting, another giant spider creature feature, Infested holds its ground, providing relentlessly ruthless thrills that will have viewers searching for the highest cushion of their couch to perch on. Unlike typical creature features, Infested combines horror with social commentary.

The film’s narrative is not only about survival against spiders but also about the human condition and societal issues. The quarantine imposed by the police traps the residents inside with no mercy, and the use of brute force when some people try to escape reflects real-world issues of authority and vulnerability. The societal context adds depth to the horror, making the film not just a creature feature but a poignant social commentary.

The decision to use real spiders along with CGI at points is effective, maintaining an element of realism and avoiding a cartoonish look. The spiders look absolutely incredible – never forcing me to suspend disbelief. The film’s dark color palette and effective use of lighting create a dire atmosphere, adding to the intensity. The sound design is another strong aspect, making it sound like spiders are moving all around, enhancing the eerie and skin-crawling atmosphere.

While some plot points, like Mathys’s actions towards the end or the confrontational scene between Kaleb and the spider, may seem included only to reach the film’s conclusion, they do not severely detract from the overall experience. The film maintains its coherence and impact through strong character arcs and a well-executed narrative.

Infested is a strong debut for Sébastien Vaniček, showing great promise as a director. His ability to maintain continuous tension, develop detailed characters, and integrate social commentary into a horror narrative sets Infested apart from other films in the genre. The film’s unique blend of horror and human drama, combined with its intense atmosphere and strong character development, makes Infested a must-watch for horror enthusiasts and those looking for a film with depth and substance.