This is a film that caters to fans of creature features. In “Creepy Crawly,” a foreign horror movie with English subtitles, the creepy crawly at the heart of the story is the centipede. The movie is set in Thailand. The plot unfolds with a brief opening scene featuring a vlogger named Kat. A centipede bites her. If you’ve watched any bug horror movies before, everyone knows, this is the catalyst for insect horror movie chaos later. If you’re looking for a horror movie creature feature with spiders, this is a feature film that has all that.
Leaving the scene of Kat and her creature encounter, the film then fast-forwards three months later. Creepy Crawly sets up in times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Guests are informed of the strict quarantine protocols as a bus pulls up to the Srichanphen Hotel in Thailand. They are required to undergo a 14-day stay at the hotel. Kat, of course, is seen disembarking the bus and acting suspiciously when filling in paperwork.
Creepy Crawly 2023
In charge of the hotel is, Mr. Wit (played by David Asavanond Croc [2007]) who tirelessly manages the large building with a small and limited staff. The only housekeeper, Pond, is responsible for maintaining the hotel’s operations during this challenging time.
During the check-in process, we are reminded of the necessary safety measures and step-by-step guidelines for maintaining social distancing. This also serves as an introduction to the hotel guests. Among them is Fame (Chanya McClory), a YouTuber, and her brother Fiew (Ben Benjamin Varney). There is also a family of three, consisting of a mute father (Paramej Noiam), his son Leo (Mike Angelo), and his daughter (Kulteera Yordchang). The One Hundred also brings in an American named Steve.
As the story progresses, Kat is shown to be still behaving oddly. Now, as a nurse, she has a peculiar fascination for drinking blood. Because of the earlier centipede bite, it’s easy to predict why she might be doing this. There are references to the blood being “medicine” and despite no further explanation, Kat knows something is wrong.
The lore for the creatures is introduced as a possession-type entity. It takes over a new host to feed. It seeks out sources of protein. When the first victim turns up and the authorities are called, the body mysteriously disappears before it can be examined. Pond figures out what this creature wants but is loyal to the hotel. So, in true creature feature horror trope fashion, she does nothing to intervene.
The story climaxes amid a relentless infestation of swarming centipede bugs. Additionally, giant human-sized creatures are wreaking havoc. By the climactic third act, the once serene hotel is overrun with writhing centipedes, both big and small. Venomous bites alongside giant creature legs that are poked through many bodies cause the death count to climb.
Thai Horror Movie, The One Hundred (Creepy Crawly)
The appearance of the monster reveals the striking visual design by filmmakers. The effects are employed using an array of CGI but this doesn’t detract from the overall look and feel of the Creepy Crawly movie.
The title incorporates humour which made the film feel fun amidst the violence. There are a few funny one-liners. Where the movie is let down, however, is in the overbearing narrative details. Backstories for side characters are generally uninteresting and provide no additional value.
Without giving a reason for the parts of the story I wanted to know about, writers focussed on innocuous drama. Only lightly touching on the folklore of the mythical centipedes. I would have preferred more information from this angle.
The One Hundred is rated
3 bug horror movies out of 5
Movies With Bugs You Need To Watch
- “Creepy Crawly,” is directed and written by Chalit Krileadmongkon and Pakphum Wongjinda (“The Mirror” [2015]). Originally titled “The One Hundred,” the producers renamed the film.
- “Creepy Crawly” will be available on digital, Blu-ray™, and DVD from Well Go USA Entertainment. The film was provided by the distributor for screening and review.
- Starring Chanya McClory (“Sang Krasue 2”), Pirat Nitipaisalkul (AKA Mike Angelo, “The Misfits”), and Benjamin Joseph Varney (“Friend Zone”.)
- Country of Origin: Thailand
Official The One Hundred Trailer
More Bug and Insect Horror Movies To Watch
- “Arachnophobia” (1990)
- “Sting” 2024
- “The Tingler” (1959),
- “Bite” (2015),
- “Them!” (1954),
- “Bug” (1975),
- “The Nest” (2021),
- “Squirm” (1976) and,
- “Ants” (1977.)
- “Vermines” 2024
