Infested (2024) – Survival Horror Overrun by Insects and Fear

A town under siege by bugs—and a woman whose grief becomes her deadliest weapon

Infested (2024), directed by Bryce McGuire, is a high-tension survival horror thriller that blends claustrophobic terror with relentless insect swarms. Set in a remote mountain town, it follows a grieving veteran named Laura (Bry Lunden) who returns home only to find herself trapped in a nightmare—human plus bug, with nowhere to run.

After Laura returns to care for her ailing mother, the town is hit by a mysterious infection. What begins as an odd rash soon escalates into violent behavior and grotesque infestation. Every man, woman, and child becomes a potential host for ravenous, hive-minded insects that overrun flesh and destroy sanity.

Bry Lunden delivers a gripping performance, balancing raw grief and fierce survival instincts. Her transformation—physically and mentally—mirrors the infection’s spread, creating a chilling emotional core to the body-horror. Supporting cast members add layers of betrayal, desperation, and sacrifice, weaving personal tragedy into the horrifying outbreak.

The film excels in atmosphere: sweat, darkness, and the constant click of chitin echo through every frame. Tight corridors, collapsing cabins, and the sudden onslaught of swarms create tension that never lets up. Practical effects and grotesque creature design lend authenticity to each gruesome reveal, while the sound design turns the simplest movement into a nerve-wracking threat.

Though the concept treads familiar ground—like other creature features—it stands out in its dedication to character and mood. Infested isn’t just about bug horror; it’s a study on how loss and trauma can make us more vulnerable to external forces. When the mind is already fragile, what happens when survival itself becomes contaminated?