Masters of Horror: Lucky McKee: Sick Girl

For the record, I had also seen Lucky McKee's directorial debut, MAY and thought it was a wonderful movie! A strangely perfect mix of horror, romance and drama. Angela Bettis plays beyond godly in that film. McKee's SICK GIRL is a so-so entry in the series, but you'll most likely see better episodes. Again, you'll meet Angela Bettits who plays Ida, a nerdy entomologist who sexual preference is for the home team. Heartbroken and frustrated that yet another woman has left her because of her love for insects, Ida is hesitant to advance on an equally shy, young woman seems to have a crush on her. Still irked about her love life, Ida returns home one night only to find a mysterious package left on her doorstep. The box contains a peculiar fist-sized insect that instantly intrigues the scientist, as she has never seen such a specimen. Pestered and persuaded by her co-worker Max (Jesse Hllubik) to ask the mystery girl out, Ida eventually proceeds and successfully snags a date from the int... Read more

Others may have their favourites, but this one is mine! It has no boring elements in it anywhere, Angela Bettis is superb as the quirky entemologist, even better than her performance as the title lead in "May", (another good movie to watch if you haven't already seen it) but the star of "Sick Girl", for me, is the cutest little green leaf bug I have ever seen; witness him waving his little arms around as though in a greeting, so sweet! This episode has everything, interest, originality, great sets, great effects, quirky lesbian relationship, and insects; most of all, that sweet little leaf bug, a star in his own right! Delightful. Other good ones in the series, for different reasons: "Imprint" and "Haeckel's Tale".

It's a common flaw for the MOH series: you're tossed an idea that wouldn't make for a bad little horror story, but the execution is ruinous and the tension is deflated by a running time that's forty minutes too long. Take "Sick Girl," for example. An entomologist who has a bad habit of taking her work home with her loses in her apartment a bizarre Brazilian bug. This happens at about the same time that she finds an equally bizarre girlfriend. The two sexy ladies frolick and cavort, but one of them has an encounter with the AWOL insect, an encounter that leaves her ... altered. What fate lies in store for the lovers? What will become of the strictly conservative granny-ish landlady? The lovably sexist coworker? The adorable little girl in the ladybug costume? This horror-less gem takes an hour to answer these questions, and by the time they're resolved, it's hard to remember why you were ever supposed to care. Adding to the mix of Reasons Why This Thing Bites is the inco... Read more

Really enjoyed this somewhat bent tale. Effects were great, acting superb (loved angela's character) and a very amusing ending. As far as the "hot lesbian action" referred by another reviewer? Were you watching the same movie? Bit of kissing and that's about it. Could have gone further with that part of the story but otherwise very enjoyable "masters of horror" bugfest.

This was a good episode-- on the surface a light hearted, tongue in cheek spoof, but once it settles in, it becomes clear that this is a macabre, twisted, bizarre piece. Bettis turns in a terrific performance as an introverted, nerdy lesbo scientist who becomes involved with another lady... uh, and eventually some bug from Brazil plays a role in a menage a trois type deal. If you are into cult horror films with a surrealness, then check this one out. The focus is on the characters and not so much the gore or suspense. A very good entry which would have made 4 stars had it not been for the rushed, punchline ending.