Sting

Movie Trailer

Release Date
April 12, 2024 (United States and Canada)

Genre
Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Ryan Corr as Ethan
• Alyla Browne as Charlotte
• Penelope Mitchell as Heather
• Robyn Nevin as Gunter
• Noni Hazelhurst as Helga
• Silvia Colloca as Maria
• Danny Kim as Erik
• Jermaine Fowler as Frank
• Tony Black as Officer Miller
• Jett Berry and Kade Berry as Baby Liam
• Lee Perry as the documentary narrator

Director
Kiah Roache-Turner

Producer
Kiah Roache-Turner, Tristan Roache-Turner

Writers
Kiah Roache-Turner

Production Company
XYZ Films, Causeway Films

Running Time
103 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Intense horror and violence
• Frightening scenes
• Strong language

Movie Story
Sting is a 2024 horror film that follows the terrifying journey of Charlotte (Alyla Browne), a rebellious 12-year-old girl living in a dilapidated apartment building with her overworked step-father Ethan (Ryan Corr), her mother Heather (Penelope Mitchell), and her baby half-brother Liam. Feeling neglected, Charlotte stumbles upon a tiny spider hatched from a mysterious, glowing object that crash-lands in her great-aunt’s apartment. Fascinated by the spider, she decides to secretly keep it as a pet, naming it Sting.

As Charlotte cares for Sting, the spider grows at an alarming rate. Initially, she hides its size from her family, but as Sting becomes harder to conceal, strange occurrences around the building start to raise suspicions among the residents. Pets and people begin to go missing or turn up dead, and tensions rise as Ethan and the neighbors notice the bizarre happenings.

Charlotte’s strained relationship with her step-father worsens as she remains oblivious to the danger, until a meltdown by Ethan leads Sting to attack both of her parents. The situation becomes dire when Sting, now a giant spider, traps several residents in the building. Charlotte discovers Sting’s aversion to mothballs and sets out to find her missing family, armed with mothballs and water. Together with Ethan, she faces numerous challenges, including Sting’s increasing intelligence and adaptability.

In a climactic showdown in the building’s basement trash compactor, Charlotte and Ethan manage to lure Sting into a trap and destroy it using the compactor. However, as they celebrate their survival, it becomes apparent that the nightmare is far from over—Sting has laid eggs, and one begins to hatch, signaling the continuation of the horror.

Special Effects
The special effects in Sting play a crucial role in creating the film’s terrifying atmosphere. The practical effects used to bring Sting to life are both realistic and horrifying, enhancing the tension as the spider grows from a tiny creature into a monstrous threat. The film’s use of shadow and lighting amplifies the sense of dread throughout the apartment building, making the setting feel claustrophobic and eerie.

Box Office Performance
Sting opened in 975 cinemas across North America, grossing $825,797 during its opening weekend. As of June 27, 2024, the film has made $2,327,012 worldwide, with nearly half of its revenue coming from its North American release. Its international earnings totaled $1,202,502, reflecting a solid global interest in the horror genre.

Filming Locations

• Sydney, Australia
• Melbourne, Australia

Notable Quotes

• “Some things are better left in the shadows, where they belong.” – Ethan
• “You think you can control it, but it’s controlling you.” – Gunter
• “It’s not just a pet, it’s a monster waiting to happen.” – Heather

Behind-the-Scenes
Sting was filmed in various locations across Australia, wrapping up production in February 2023. Director Kiah Roache-Turner, known for his previous work in the horror genre, collaborated closely with the special effects team to create a realistic and terrifying depiction of the giant spider. The cast, led by young actress Alyla Browne, underwent extensive preparation to convey the escalating horror and tension as Sting grew larger and more dangerous.

Final Verdict
Sting is a gripping and chilling horror film that showcases the terrifying consequences of curiosity gone wrong. With strong performances, especially from Alyla Browne and Ryan Corr, and expertly crafted special effects, the film is a must-watch for horror fans. Its suspenseful narrative and shocking ending ensure that it will leave a lasting impression, making it a standout entry in the 2024 horror lineup.

IMDb Rating
5.7/10

Image Source: by Samuel Jane