Infestation

Infestation is a post-apocalyptic/science fiction horror comedy film from 2009 directed by Kyle Rankin. The film stars Christopher Marquette, Brooke Nevin, and Kinsey Packard in the lead roles. Infestation brings a humorous and thrilling angle to the sci-fi horror genre, proving that a driven plot, strategic humor, and complex characters can take a film far beyond its simple "bug invasion" premise.

Set in an ordinary world, the story of Infestation starts with Cooper, a seemingly lazy and unambitious telemarketer played by Christopher Marquette. But Cooper's "ordinary" life is disrupted when he is inexplicably knocked unconscious at work. He wakes to a world overrun by large insects and realizes that he must do something extraordinary to survive. With no memory of how he got into this situation, Cooper must piece things together and navigate this suddenly chaotic and dangerous new world.

Brooke Nevin plays Sara, a tough survivalist who becomes a surprising ally to Cooper in their strange and threatening world. Sara's sharp mind and keen fight for survival bring a depth and intensity to the duo's dynamic. The chemistry between Sara and Cooper is captivating as they battle on-going monstrous threats.

Kinsey Packard takes the screen with her role as Cindy, a character everybody loves to hate, yet whose survival instincts know no bounds. The presence of this character who takes what she thinks is hers without apology adds a twisted layer of complexity to the narrative's survivalist underpinnings. Her interplay with the other characters, especially Cooper and Sara, provides a well-crafted mix of friction, tension, and humor.

Cooper's hopeless attitude towards life before the infestation ironically equips him with a temperament that helps him adapt to the terrifying changes in his world. Despite his inept first impression, he becomes an unexpected leader, guiding a band of survivors as they aim to traverse through their infested city.

The movie skillfully uses humor as a coping mechanism for the characters against horrifying circumstances. It's filled with surprises and plot twists that keep the audience in suspense, while the elements of humor uniquely integrated into the plot lightens the heavy and intense atmosphere. The humor is mostly situational, deriving from the characters' bizarre reactions to their terrifying circumstances.

Infestation gives us a snapshot of the terrifying and chaotic world of insects overrunning humanity, but it does more than just shock viewers with its colossal mutated insects. It explores humanity, survival instincts, and the social dynamics that can unfold after calamity strikes. The characters' varying reactions to their bizarre circumstances are as compelling as the unique visual effects.

Shot beautifully with creative cinematography, Infestation captures its creatures and humans in an equally terrifying way. The practical and CG effects bring the bugs to life, making them a real and frightening threat. The film takes a B-movie concept and transforms it into a fresh, humorous, and thrilling watch.

The original score complements the film's themes perfectly — eerie, suspenseful, and at times, echoing the war-like atmosphere. This, in combination with well-executed sound design, heightens the terror of the infested world in which Cooper and his band find themselves.

All credits go to director Kyle Rankin for tastefully combining horror, science fiction, comedy, and survival drama into one thrilling ride. His distinctive approach to the script, along with the talented cast, atmospheric effects, and strategic humor, transforms Infestation into a truly engaging and entertaining film that successfully supersedes its "bug invasion" genre.

Infestation is a movie that takes the audience on a fun-filled, action-packed rollercoaster ride from beginning to end. It successfully stands out among many of its kind with an appeal that reaches beyond basic creature-feature enthusiasts. It's an exciting film backed by a captivating narrative that skillfully incorporates wit, horror, and heart. Whether or not you're an avid fan of the science fiction/horror genre, Infestation is bound to capture your interest and keep you at the edge of your seat till the end!