STUNG is a 2015 horror-comedy film directed by Benni Diez, marking his feature film debut. The movie combines elements of body horror and dark humor, delivering a unique take on the creature feature genre. With a screenplay by Adam Aresty, STUNG stars Matt O’Leary, Jessica Cook, Lance Henriksen, and Clifton Collins Jr. The film centers around a lavish garden party gone awry when giant, mutated wasps attack the guests. As an homage to classic monster movies, STUNG provides both thrills and laughs, making it a notable entry in contemporary horror cinema.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Julia (Jessica Cook) and Paul (Matt O’Leary), two catering staff members preparing for a high-society garden party hosted by Mrs. Perch (Eve Slatner) at her remote estate. The event is intended to be an elegant affair, but things quickly spiral into chaos when mutant wasps, accidentally created by toxic fertilizer, begin to attack the guests.
The wasps start by stinging the guests, which results in horrifying transformations – the victims mutate into giant, grotesque wasp-human hybrids. As the party descends into pandemonium, Paul and Julia must navigate through the carnage, battling the monstrous insects while trying to protect the remaining survivors, including the drunken Mayor Caruthers (Lance Henriksen) and the smarmy pharmaceutical representative Sydney (Clifton Collins Jr.).
As the night progresses, the survivors are forced to make increasingly desperate decisions. The movie culminates in a climactic battle against the wasp queen, leading to a thrilling and explosive finale.
Characters
- Paul (Matt O’Leary): A laid-back and somewhat underachieving caterer, Paul finds himself thrust into the role of an unlikely hero. His resourcefulness and bravery emerge as he fights to save the guests and himself from the monstrous wasps.
- Julia (Jessica Cook): A determined and hardworking young woman, Julia is the co-owner of the catering business. She displays remarkable resilience and quick thinking, making her a vital part of the fight against the wasps.
- Mayor Caruthers (Lance Henriksen): The eccentric and inebriated mayor, Caruthers provides both comic relief and moments of unexpected heroism. His character adds depth and humor to the story, showcasing Henriksen’s veteran acting skills.
- Sydney (Clifton Collins Jr.): A slick pharmaceutical representative with ulterior motives, Sydney’s character brings an element of corporate greed and deceit to the narrative. His transformation into one of the wasp-human hybrids is one of the film’s most memorable moments.
STUNG explores several themes typical of horror-comedy films, blending societal satire with grotesque horror. Key themes include:
- Transformation and Mutation: The physical transformations of the guests into wasp-human hybrids symbolize the grotesque consequences of environmental negligence and scientific tampering.
- Survival and Heroism: The film focuses on the characters’ struggle for survival in the face of overwhelming odds. Paul and Julia’s development from everyday caterers to courageous survivors highlights the theme of unlikely heroism.
- Social Satire: The setting of a high-society garden party serves as a backdrop for satirical commentary on class and privilege. The characters’ reactions to the crisis often reflect their social status and personal flaws.
Directed by Benni Diez, STUNG is notable for its practical effects and creature design. The film’s special effects team, led by Shaun Smith, used a combination of practical animatronics and CGI to create the monstrous wasps and their human-hybrid victims. This blend of effects contributes to the film’s visceral and realistic horror, reminiscent of classic creature features.
The cinematography by Stephan Burchardt and the atmospheric score by David Menke further enhance the film’s suspenseful and eerie tone. The rural estate setting adds to the isolation and helplessness experienced by the characters, intensifying the horror elements.
STUNG received mixed reviews from critics, with praise directed towards its special effects, creature design, and the performances of Matt O’Leary and Jessica Cook. Some critics felt the film struggled with balancing horror and comedy, while others appreciated its homage to classic monster movies and its tongue-in-cheek approach.
Despite its mixed reception, STUNG has garnered a cult following among horror fans who appreciate its blend of practical effects, dark humor, and over-the-top creature horror. The film stands out as a modern example of the creature feature genre, offering a fresh and entertaining take on the concept of giant, mutated insects terrorizing humans.
STUNG is a commendable entry in the horror-comedy genre, delivering a mix of scares and laughs through its imaginative premise and effective special effects. Benni Diez’s directorial debut showcases his talent for blending horror and humor, creating a film that pays tribute to classic monster movies while offering a unique and entertaining experience. Whether you’re a fan of creature features or looking for a horror film with a twist, STUNG is sure to leave an impression.
If you’d like to see other entries in my Monstrous Movie Review category, just click here!
~David Albaugh
