Charlotte, a 12-year-old girl harboring a secret, finds herself confronting a terrifying reality when her once-adorable pet spider undergoes a monstrous transformation into a flesh-eating behemoth. In “Sting,” the latest entry in the “Giant Spider vs. Humans” genre, audiences are drawn in by the promise of classic creature-feature thrills.
Yet, despite its premise, “Sting” falls short of delivering the spine-chilling excitement one would expect from such a film. Instead of a gripping monster flick, it veers into the realm of mundane family drama. While the movie draws inspiration from iconic creature features like “Alien” and “Jaws,” it fails to evoke the same level of tension and fear, relying more on the concept of terror rather than its execution.
The story revolves around Charlotte, played by Alyla Browne, who navigates life with her new stepfather Ethan, portrayed by Ryan Corr, in a poorly managed apartment building. While the film spends considerable time exploring the dynamics of the building and its quirky residents, it neglects to develop Charlotte’s character adequately. As Ethan takes center stage, tinkering with repairs and adjusting to his new marriage, Charlotte’s role feels sidelined, leaving audiences disconnected from her journey until the film’s final act.
However, the eccentric supporting characters inject life into the narrative, with standout performances from Robyn Nevin, Noni Hazlehurst, and Jermaine Fowler. Fowler, in particular, shines as he infuses humor into the otherwise lackluster script, elevating the film with his comedic timing and charisma.
Despite its shortcomings, “Sting” does offer some redeeming qualities. The creature design, reminiscent of Xenomorph lore, proves to be a highlight, and the practical effects by WETA Workshop add a visceral quality to the spider’s appearance. While the film occasionally relies too heavily on strobing lights and shaky camerawork to obscure the creature, its gooey and grotesque aesthetic effectively induces a sense of revulsion.
However, “Sting” falters in building suspense and delivering impactful scares. The creature remains largely hidden in shadows, and most of the terror occurs off-screen, diminishing the overall tension. While the film’s conclusion attempts to redeem its earlier shortcomings, it ultimately falls short of realizing its full potential as a horror classic.
In the end, “Sting” offers a mixed bag of thrills and disappointments. While it may satisfy viewers seeking a dose of creature-feature nostalgia, it fails to leave a lasting impression due to its uneven execution. Despite its flaws, “Sting” manages to stick the landing, culminating in a solid ending that salvages some of its earlier missteps.
