The Coleopteran
The Coleopteran

Movie spotlight

The Coleopteran

2021
Movie
25 min
Italian

A disillusioned priest must deal with the disappearance of one of his pinned insects: a Prosopocoilus savagei.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes45%
Metacritic52/100
Google Users62%
Director: Bartholomew "Barty" BumbleGenres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Plot Summary

In a near-future society obsessed with genetic perfection, a brilliant but disgraced entomologist discovers a way to transfer human consciousness into insectoid bodies. His motivation initially seems altruistic, aiming to offer a form of immortality. However, his experiments take a dark turn when his subjects begin to lose their humanity, becoming monstrous hybrids driven by primal urges. The film explores themes of identity, ambition, and the ethical boundaries of scientific advancement.

Critical Reception

The Coleopteran received a polarized response, with critics divided on its ambitious premise and graphic content. While praised for its innovative visual effects and unsettling atmosphere, many found the narrative convoluted and the horror elements overly gratuitous. Audience reception mirrored this divide, with some appreciating its unique blend of genres and others finding it too disturbing.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its originality and visually striking creature design.

  • Criticized for a confusing plot and excessive gore.

  • An unsettling exploration of body horror and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's unique concept and strong visual effects, particularly the terrifying insectoid transformations. However, many found the storyline difficult to follow and the extreme violence off-putting, leading to a mixed but generally positive audience score.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Visual Effects at the Saturn Awards.

Fun Fact

The intricate sound design for the insectoid creatures was created using recordings of actual beetle clicks and chitinous rustling, manipulated to sound more menacing.

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