In Tim Cruz’s Ladybug a young artist, Grayson (Anthony Del Negro), retreats to the wilderness to be inspired. However, the experience isn’t as relaxing as he had hoped as he finds himself entangled with ghosts of the past, both literal and metaphorical.
Set within a stunningly characterful cabin, Cruz manages the impossible of making a picturesque haven, a nightmare. As Grayson moves, the building is instantly full of creepy quirks, but more than that, Cruz uses the small location to heighten the sense of claustrophobia. Removed from the local town, once in the cabin Grayson is adrift from society; the loneliness breeds fear whether warranted or not. Anyone that has stayed alone can relate to Grayson’s early unease, but whilst for us these feelings are all in our head, Grayson’s begin to manifest.
His troubles begin with the arrival of handyman Sawyer (Zachary Roozen). Grayson is immediately taken with the handsome young man, and as the two draw closer, they realise that they have a shared passion for art. The connection seems amazing at first, with Grayson painting pictures better than he’s ever done, much to the delight of his best friend and manager, Wendy (Scout Taylor-Compton). As the pair grow ever closer, Sawyer starts to become a little too intense for Grayson, and as he struggles to pull away, he uncovers a secret that flips everything on its head.
A slow burn narrative can sometimes be the kiss of death for films. In others, such as Ladybug, it can enrich the viewing experience. For much of Ladybug’s first act, it is unclear of certain character intentions; figuring them out is the lure that keeps the viewer hooked. As is the chemistry between Anthony Del Negro and Sawyer Roozen. The two work beautifully on screen, and their interactions, especially early on, are almost electrically charged. Right from that first encounter, the potential for dark romance is visible and the ultimate execution veers into unexpected directions. The overriding theme for Ladybug is a haunting funky ghost romance. And yet, Ladybug is not nearly as straightforward as that, as it features several devious little moments that work to reset and re-centre the viewer’s attention.
Despite its supernatural elements, there is something about Ladybug that feels deeply personal. This feeling is not directly tied to anything specific within the movie, but is rather a sensation that is hard to shake. This could be due to the fact that lead actor Anthony Del Negro co-wrote the script with Tim Cruz, and having had a hand in its creation, the star gives more of himself than is perhaps expected. Whatever the reason, it works in seducing the viewer into Grayson’s world. The intimacy also paves the way for a strong emotional attachment with moments of Ladybug generating feelings of sadness and longing. These emotions dwell deep within Ladybug and may leave the more sensitive viewer with a heavy heart.
Ladybug is achingly beautiful, inside and out, with Cruz taking the viewer on an occasionally painful journey of love, loss, creativity, passion, danger, and a soulful exploration about what it means to truly be alive.
Ladybug
Summary
Ladybug is a fantastic slow burn ghostly thriller that oozes sex and soul, and has the ability to intoxicate the viewer to a level where they too, could lose themselves.
Ladybug was reviewed at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2024.
