Guillermo del Toro's Only Career Flop Has 37% on RT, but Stephen King Calls It "Brilliant"

Throughout cinema history, there are many examples of movies that were initially derided by critics and viewers but eventually gained cult status. However, it's rare for films to be criticized by their own directors.

Stephen King Praises the Only Failed Movie in Guillermo del Toro's Career

This happened with Guillermo del Toro's Mimic, and the director had compelling reasons to distance himself from his work. However, Stephen King is one of the few who doesn't consider Mimic a failure – quite the opposite, in fact.

In his book Danse Macabre, Stephen King had nothing but praise for del Toro's second film, released in 1997:

“Guillermo del Toro's first American film, and a work of brilliance and complexity. It plays on our fear of dark places, environmental mutation, science out of control… and killer insects that can look like people.

Perversely believable, with great FX and great performances by Charles S Dutton and Mira Sorvino.”

What Is 'Mimic' About?

The plot revolves around Dr. Susan Tyler, a talented entomologist who, alongside her husband, manages to stop a deadly epidemic by creating genetically modified insects.

However, disrupting the natural balance leads to catastrophic consequences. Endowed with the ability to mimic, these creatures begin to evolve at an alarming rate, learning to imitate their most dangerous predator – humans.

'Mimic' Was a Battleground Between Guillermo del Toro & Bob Weinstein, Which Didn't Do the Film Any Favors

The true reason for del Toro's failure and suffering was not the concept itself, but the horrific production conditions. It was the director's first and most traumatic experience with the infamous Weinstein brothers.

Serving as producer, Bob Weinstein constantly interfered with the creative process. He demanded the movie be made creepier, threatened to remove del Toro from directing, and ultimately stripped him of final editing rights.

According to eyewitnesses, the set resembled a prison camp. Despite this, del Toro managed to preserve some of his ideas.

Mimic reveals the beginnings of his signature style, including masterfully designed giant bugs, a dark sci-fi atmosphere rather than cheap jump scares, and creative casting.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Mimic'?

• Mimic has 67% from critics and 37% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.0/10.

• On Letterboxd, Mimic scored 3.0/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Mimic'?

Mimic is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video.