Alyla Browne stars as Charlotte in Sting, an Australian horror film directed by Kiah Roache-Turner. The movie begins within the confines of a Brooklyn apartment complex, trapped under a severe winter storm over four days. This snow-covered setting amplifies the tension for Charlotte, who is dealing with the turmoil brought on by her new sibling and feeling overlooked by her busy mother (Penelope Mitchell) and distant stepfather Ethan (Ryan Corr). Alongside these familial struggles, a tiny spider named Sting crash-lands from outer space and becomes part of this unsettling tale.
Encounter with an Unlikely Pet
Charlotte’s discovery of Sting, the spider, sets off a chain of eerie events. Initially adopted as a pet after she sneaks into an abandoned apartment, Charlotte claims this seemingly smart and precocious being
that astonishingly mimics sounds and has a voracious appetite for creatures like rodents and birds. It’s this rapid growth and mysterious nature of the spider that turns the cozy domestic sphere into a ground for burgeoning horror.
Family Dynamics Amidst Mayhem
Aylia Browne’s portrayal of Charlotte adds depth to the family’s strained dynamics. Her character’s relationship with her empathetic stepfather Ethan is layered; while they bond over co-writing comics, connecting is often inconsistent. Noni Hazlehurst’s performance adds further dimensionality, contributing significantly to crucial scenes.
Horror Served with a Side of Nostalgia
The film’s tone harks back to classics like Joe Dante’s Gremlins and Steven Spielberg’s E.T.. The horror is balanced by elements of family entertainment, where household disputes are as significant as the ghastly encounters with increasingly monstrous Sting. As we watch residents become targets for their former pet arachnid, the dark humor laces through chewed limbs and exaggerated fright. While it features its share of gore, it’s clear that Roache-Turner aimed for a blend tapping into that nostalgic charm.
A Vivid Performance in a Creaky Setting
The backdrop of the crumbling apartment, coupled with expert craftsmanship by Wētā Workshop on the creature effects, makes for an eerie setting reminiscent of Alien. As shadows play host to scary moments, the mounting dread keeps viewers hooked through an hour and thirty-two-minute runtime.
A Fitting Protagonist
Browne’s transition from playing juvenile Furiosa in Mad Max to Charlotte in Sting shows her range. The script capitalizes on her ability to convey unease and courage seamlessly without relying on CGI alterations—a spirited trooper capturing old-school charm.
A Balanced Take on Family Horror
Sting, while in line with many contemporary horrors in its readiness to play around gruesome special effects, stands out for not shying away from fun amidst chaos. Suitable for audiences over 16, its blend of dark comedy and horror ensures it remains entertaining across generations.
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