Bug

Bug is not what you think it is, said David Edelstein in New York. This low'“budget, claustrophobic thriller is being marketed as a new Saw or Hostel, 'œbut I guarantee you that 99 percent of those who go to Bug thinking they're in for good, gooey fun with the babe from Kiss the Girls are going to riot in the aisles.' This film, directed by William Friedkin (The Exorcist) from a play by Tracy Letts, is a slow'“developing drama that takes place within a dingy motel room, decorated with the tokens of insanity. 'œIt's a nerve'“rending, extremely unpleasant experience, but also a compelling one,' said Michael Wilmington in the Chicago Tribune. Ashley Judd is Agnes, a divorcée whose jailbird ex'“husband (Harry Connick Jr.) may or may not be responsible for the hang'“ups that have her phone ringing day and night. Craving companionship, she's happy to invite Gulf War vet Peter (Michael Shannon) to stay for a while. Soon, Peter's ranting about the military's plan to plant aphids under his skin, and Agnes begins to believe him. Friedkin's camera is shifty, prowling around his characters in 'œthe visual equivalent of what an itch feels like,' said Lisa Schwarzbaum in Entertainment Weekly. This marks the director's best work since the '70s'”an unclassifiable, low'“key piece that will leave audiences thoroughly creeped out.

Rating: R

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