First of all, Bug is not an ordinary horror film. This is a psychological thriller, which is more of a character study than a film about scary bugs. If you want a mediocre bug thriller you should rent They Nest. If you’re looking for a horror film that acts as a metaphor for real fear, then you should try Bug. A U.S. war veteran shacks up with and a lonely woman in a motel room, as lines of reality and delusion start to take over in the form of an insect infestation. William Friedkin, best known for The Exorcist, directs this film adaptation of Tracy Letts’ The Barrow Street Bug. Letts adapted the stage play for the big screen, and it maintains the same electric performances with Michael Shannon reprising his role as Peter.
Bug relies on claustrophobia to create tension, and Friedkin closes in on the actors to reveal beads of sweat and terrific performances. The creepy motel room is the backdrop to this story, and goes through some transformations of its own as the movie progresses. Ashley Judd plays Agnes, and goes all out in giving the character credibility. She must have gained a few kilograms for this role, and isn’t afraid to strip down either. She and Shannon have great on-screen chemistry together as they peel each layer of the film away. While Harry Connick Jr. fills the shoes of Jerry Goss and adds some more star power to this project.
The marketing makes Bug look a bit like Saw, and who can deny Saw’s influential line of posters. However, the film only parallels itself on this level with some blood and claustrophobic scenes. The stage play had phenomenal success without curtains or any major special effects. Bug is also minimalist in this way, and relies on the performances to propel the narrative. If you didn’t know Bug was adapted from a stage play, you could actually envision it being adapted from film for stage. The motel room is the base for all activities, and the performances are big and wordy.
Friedkin is loyal to the play and doesn’t become too expansive apart from a few aerial long shots. The close ups keep the movie tight, and Friedkin homes in on the performances by Judd and Shannon. The whole concept is an allegory for fear, and how the world is dominated by this contagious state of insecurity. This metaphor becomes more and more apparent as the movie builds up, and the paranoia mounts. Friedkin recycles hints, pushing and pulling the audience to breaking point. Bug is not a film for people who are offended by creepy-crawly bugs or mental illness. If you want a rendition of the play that made everyone sit up and take notice, then Bug will make your mind itch.
The bottom line: Disturbing.
