Bug

3 1/2 Popcorn Kernels

Billed as a horror, "Bug" may leave fans of the genre scratching their heads. Then again, there is not a moviegoer out there who can confidently say they know what the truth is behind this feature film.

"Bug" is filled with blood and torture but it is ultimately a psychological thriller. Whether or not there are in fact bugs is the central idea here.

"Bug" stars Ashley Judd as Agnes White, a lonely woman who meets an unusual character named Peter Evans, portrayed by Michael Shannon.

The two get to know each other and make it adamantly clear that neither one wants a significant other in their life. Instead, they form a friendly bond in which they share emotions and, eventually, secrets.

Agnes' ex-boyfriend Jerry Goss (Harry Connick Jr.) enters the frame and we begin to think Peter will be Agnes' knight in shining armor. He comforts her and their friendship leads to something more -- including an oddly slimy fit of love making.

Before morning, Peter wakes up and shows Agnes a rash of bug bites on his wrist. He shuffles through the sheets to find the perpetrating "aphid" but Agnes cannot seem to see it at first. She hardly cares about this, either.

Soon, Agnes begins seeing the insects and the duo determine the apartment is crawling with them. In fact, Peter claims they are in his blood, care of an egg sack implanted in a cavity in his tooth by army researchers.

However, doctors cannot see the bugs and neither can Agnes' friend. Paranoia sets in within Peter and Agnes hops aboard for the dangerous ride.

Based on a play, "Bug" probably works much better on stage than on screen. However, director William Friedkin does an excellent job at instilling terror in the audience.

A number of elements fail to add up and appear to be nothing more than extra pieces to the puzzle, but the movie keeps you guessing while cringing and turning away from the bloody action.

"Bug" is a better character study and exercise in acting than it is a plot-based flick. Judd and Shannon are spectacular and carry the film from start to finish.

It feels like a waste of time but "Bug" will work its way under your skin and leave you feeling strangely satisfied -- if not a little itchy.