31 Days of Horror: Mimic (1997)

Mimic is a greatly underrated horror flick from esteemed director Guillermo del Toro. Dank, dark, and creepy as hell , Mimic is terrifying thanks in part to the Judas Breed and del Toro's excellent execution of an original concept. Only he could be so bold.

Susan Tyler (Mira Sorvino) is an entomologist that has engineered an insect that kills the dreaded, disease carrying cockroach. Although engineered for a short life span, it looks like this man-made species has evolved and not in a good way. Now able to mimic {get it?!} human form, this uberbug preys on mankind.

Yes, is sounds lame. Let me tell you why it's not. del Toro creates an atmosphere like no other. Under his direction, the subway of New York City becomes a wretched hive of the Judas Breed {get it?!}. The film is darkly lit, so you have to watch it in near darkness to visualize anything, furthering that skin-crawling creepy as hell feel.

del Toro is masterful with special effects and design, both are wonderfully dimensional, as is the use of sound here. His propensity for symbolism and his portrayal of innocence are true to form. The working angle of the clicking spoons is riveting and truly terrifying. The film is intelligent and grotesque.

Mimic maybe considered akin to B-movie classics and that's unfortunate. I think it fell prey to inability to market such an unusual beast. Give a viewing and just see.