Review of Bug (2007) by Jack F — 06 Feb 2009

A strange but effective psychological horror film, "Bug" chronicles a chilling look at a descent into madness, as it tells the story of two lonely people (Ashley Judd and Michael Shannon) holed up in a shabby motel, whose frightening delusions slowly begin to take over their lives.

The performances by Judd and Shannon are searingly intense--both should have received Oscar nominations back in 2006--and the film kept my interest, but I must repeat that the movie is quite odd, and I get the feeling that it would work a lot better on the stage (it used to be a play).

It would be a truly frightening experience to feel as if you were a part of the characters' insanity, which is what the stage would achieve. On the screen, it's hard not to feel somewhat detached.

Still, it's effective enough, and Judd and Shannon are excellent, so it warrants a recommendation from me with the caveat that it's definitely not for all tastes.