Watch Bugcrush

Bugcrush is a haunting and deeply disturbing coming-of-age story directed by Carter Smith, based on the short story by Scott Treleaven. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the Best Short Film and the National Board of Review's Best Directorial Debut award. The movie tells the story of a shy and introverted high school boy named Ben (Josh Caras) who is obsessed with insects and loves to photograph them. He lives in a rural town in Alabama with his abusive father and has no friends. One day, a new student arrives at school, a charismatic and rebellious boy named Grant (Donald Cumming), who catches Ben's eye. Grant is a popular boy who smokes, drinks, and drives a motorcycle. He is the opposite of Ben in every way.

Ben becomes infatuated with Grant and the two strike up a friendship. Grant takes Ben on a joyride on his motorcycle, and they spend a night in the woods, smoking pot, and drinking alcohol. During the night, Ben reveals that he is gay and has never been with a boy before. Grant seduces him, and they share a passionate kiss. But things take a dark turn when Grant reveals that he has a fetish for bugs and persuades Ben to join him in a bug-crushing game.

The film is a psychological thriller that explores the themes of love, desire, and power. Ben is a fragile and vulnerable character who is easily manipulated by Grant, who is more worldly and experienced. Grant exerts his power over Ben, using his charm and charisma to control him. Ben is torn between his desire for Grant and his disgust for the bug-crushing game. He becomes complicit in the game, even though he knows it is wrong.

The movie is visually stunning, and the cinematography is breathtaking. The rural landscape of Alabama is beautifully shot, and the images of the insects are both grotesque and mesmerizing. The soundtrack is haunting and atmospheric, adding to the film's eerie and unsettling mood.

The acting in Bugcrush is superb, particularly Josh Caras's performance as Ben. He portrays the character's vulnerability and confusion with sensitivity and nuance. Donald Cumming is equally impressive as Grant, bringing depth and complexity to a character who could have been one-dimensional.

Bugcrush is not an easy film to watch. It deals with disturbing and taboo subjects and contains graphic scenes of violence and sexuality. It is a film that will stay with you long after you've watched it, leaving you with questions and unease. It is a bold and daring debut from director Carter Smith, who shows a remarkable talent for storytelling and visual artistry. Bugcrush is not just a great short film, but a powerful work of cinema that transcends its genre.