“The Insect” (2025) emerges as a chilling entry into the science fiction horror genre, blending the grotesque atmosphere of classic body horror with modern ecological anxieties. Directed by visionary newcomer Lyle Hartman, the film follows a team of entomologists who uncover a genetically mutated insect species deep in the Amazon rainforest—only to discover that these creatures are far more intelligent, adaptive, and hostile than anyone expected.
The story centers on Dr. Lena Corwin (played masterfully by Ana de Armas), a biologist haunted by her past and driven by a need to understand the ecological disruption plaguing the planet. When her expedition uncovers what appears to be an ancient hive structure, the team quickly descends into a nightmare of parasitic infestation, hallucinations, and hive-mind manipulation. The film plays with themes of human arrogance, the cost of tampering with nature, and the thin line between predator and prey.
What makes The Insect so effective is its atmosphere: claustrophobic jungle shots, dimly lit research stations, and the disturbing sound design of skittering limbs and wingbeats that crawl under your skin. The special effects—practical and digital—create a viscerally repulsive yet hypnotic vision of evolution gone rogue. Critics have compared the film to The Thing and Annihilation, though The Insect carves out its own place with a uniquely biological horror that feels terrifyingly plausible.
As the film ends with the hive apparently destroyed and Lena escaping alone, viewers are left with a haunting final shot: a single larva squirming beneath her skin. This sets up perfectly for a planned sequel, “The Insect: Emergence” (2027), rumored to expand the story into urban environments as the infection spreads silently through human hosts. If done right, the sequel could elevate the narrative into a larger commentary on global interconnectedness and environmental revenge.
Overall, The Insect (2025) is a bold and unsettling film that grips you from the start and leaves you scratching imaginary bites long after it ends. It's not for the squeamish—but for fans of thought-provoking horror, it’s a must-watch.
