Bug

Bug

Year: 1975

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Jeannot Szwarc

Sci-FiMysteryThrillerHorror

A seismic event awakens genetically altered cockroaches, triggering a series of destructive fires throughout a small town. As the situation escalates, scientist James Parmiter investigates the insects' unusual behavior and discovers a disturbing plot that poses a grave threat to the future of humankind.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Bug (1975)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Bug (1975). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern Day

The film is set in contemporary times, where modern science collides with catastrophic natural events. During this period, the population is unaware of the ancient dangers hidden beneath the Earth, exacerbated by a sudden earthquake that triggers a series of catastrophic events involving mutant creatures.

Location

Tacker Farm, University, Country Parish

The Tacker Farm serves as the epicenter of strange occurrences following an earthquake. It is a remote area where family tragedies unfold amidst the backdrop of nature. The local university is a hub of scientific inquiry, led by Professor James Parmiter, while the country parish acts as a gathering place for the community which is impacted by the natural disaster.

🏞️ Rural 🎓 Educational ⛪ Religious

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Main Characters – Bug (1975)

Meet the key characters of Bug (1975), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

James Parmiter (Bradford Dillman)

James Parmiter is a dedicated scientist who is initially caught up in his own research and academic pursuits. His character transitions from skepticism to desperation as he confronts the terrifying reality of the mutant cockroaches. His actions throughout the movie demonstrate the struggle between scientific inquiry and the uncontrollable forces of nature.

🧑‍🔬 Scientist 💔 Grief 🔍 Inquisitive

Carrie Parmiter (Joanna Miles)

Carrie is James's wife, who becomes a victim of the unprecedented events following the earthquake. Her character embodies the collateral damage of scientific exploration gone wrong and the emotional toll it takes on families. She represents vulnerability amidst chaos and tragedy.

💔 Loss ⛪ Faith 🌪️ Tragedy

Gerald Metbaum (Richard Gilliland)

Gerald is Norma's boyfriend and a key figure in helping James investigate the strange occurrences at the Tacker Farm. He is characterized by his practical approach and willingness to confront the escalating danger, demonstrating loyalty amidst the unfolding horrors.

🔍 Investigative 👫 Supportive 💪 Brave

Norma Tacker (Jamie Smith-Jackson)

Young and innocent, Norma finds herself witnessing the aftermath of the cockroach attack on her family. Her character serves as a symbol of the human cost of nature's revenge, embodying the trauma faced by those left behind and representing the fragility of life in the face of unforeseen calamities.

👧 Innocent 😢 Trauma 📖 Loss

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Major Themes – Bug (1975)

Explore the central themes of Bug (1975), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🐞 Nature's Wrath

The movie explores the theme of nature striking back against mankind, vividly shown through the deadly mutated cockroaches. It reflects on the consequences of humanity's disregard for the natural world, leading to terrifying outcomes. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the balance between human innovation and nature's inherent power.

🔬 Scientific Hubris

A central theme is the peril of scientific arrogance, exemplified by James Parmiter's initial disbelief in the cockroaches' capabilities. The film critiques the way humans often underestimate the complexities of the natural world, leading to disastrous consequences when science overreaches its limitations.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about scientific hubris and catastrophe like Bug

Stories where humanity's ambition triggers an unstoppable, monstrous downfall.If you enjoyed the terrifying consequences of genetic tampering in Bug, you'll find similar dread in these movies. This thread explores films where scientific ambition backfires catastrophically, leading to monster outbreaks, ecological disasters, and bleak fights for survival against man-made horrors.

dread-filledapocalypticanxiouscautionaryhorrifyingdesperate

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a discovery-to-disaster arc. A scientist or organization achieves a breakthrough, only to witness their creation spiral out of control. The narrative often shifts from wonder to terror, as the protagonists become the first responders to a crisis of their own making, facing both the physical threat and the crushing weight of their responsibility.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared core theme: the dire consequences of playing god. They share a dark, cautionary tone, a steady or escalating pace as the crisis grows, and a heavy emotional weight stemming from the preventable nature of the tragedy. The horror is intellectual as much as it is visceral.

Movies with psychological unraveling and dread like Bug

A slow, claustrophobic crawl into madness amidst unbearable pressure.For viewers who appreciated the psychological horror and mental collapse in Bug, this thread collects films with a similar descent into madness. These stories often feature anxious, oppressive moods, claustrophobic settings, and characters whose sanity deteriorates under extreme pressure, leading to bleak and heavy conclusions.

paranoidoppressiveclaustrophobicanxiousdread-filledunsettlingdesperate

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a character, often an expert or investigator, confronting a bizarre or traumatic event. As they delve deeper, their grip on reality weakens. Paranoia and obsession take hold, blurring the lines between real danger and psychological projection. The story's climax is frequently the character's total mental breakdown, which may be as destructive as the external threat.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their intense focus on psychological deterioration. They share an oppressive, anxious mood, a steady pacing that builds unease, and a high intensity driven by internal as much as external conflict. The emotional journey is one of watching a mind systematically come undone under stress.

Unlock the Full Story of Bug

Don't stop at just watching — explore Bug in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Bug is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Bug Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Bug, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Bug Summary

Bug Timeline

Track the full timeline of Bug with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Bug Timeline

Bug Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Bug that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Bug Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Bug

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Bug: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Bug

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