Film review: ‘The Bugs and The Slugs’
The Bugs and the Slugs was featured at Slamdance 2022 in the Narrative Shorts category.
Written and directed by Greyson Horst, The Bugs and The Slugs follows a human boy, Cricket (Manny Dunn), who goes on a sexual journey through an alien planet. When it is discovered that he has a forbidden relationship with a troll, he must fight for his life. Cricket will have to express to everyone why he belongs or be cooked and eaten.
In this very strange sci-fi fantasy, sex is the primary vehicle through which the story is told. As Cricket navigates a new world, one filled with unfamiliar creatures and new sexual scenarios, intercourse guides him, frustrates him, and intrigues him — this ultimately becomes his obsession, and it’s clear that it’s one of many others.
There’s a lesson in general tolerance and acceptance that permeates the production. Throughout, viewers are thoroughly introduced to the idea of accepting people as they are. Beyond the insanity that constitutes the fun, if absurd, narrative, its message will resonate with viewers, and that’s an accomplishment.
