The film is set in New York City, where a deadly epidemic spread by cockroaches is claiming the lives of children. Dr. Susan Tyler (played by Mira Sorvino), a geneticist, develops a radical solution to combat the disease by genetically engineering a new species of insect called the “Judas Breed.” These insects are designed to mimic the appearance and behavior of cockroaches, effectively wiping out the disease-carrying roaches.
Several years later, it’s revealed that the Judas Breed insects have evolved into a new species that can mimic not only cockroaches but also humans. These creatures, known as “Strickler’s” after the entomologist who discovered them, have grown to enormous size and possess a ferocious appetite for human flesh.
As the Strickler’s infestation spreads throughout the city’s subway tunnels, Susan teams up with her husband, Dr. Peter Mann (played by Jeremy Northam), and a small team of scientists and exterminators to eradicate the creatures. However, they soon discover that the Strickler’s are much more intelligent and adaptable than they initially believed.
In the climax of the film, Susan and Peter confront the queen of the Strickler’s in the subway tunnels, where they discover that the creatures are reproducing at an alarming rate. With the help of a young boy named Chuy (played by Alexander Goodwin), who is immune to the Strickler’s venom, they manage to destroy the queen and stop the infestation.
In the end, Susan and Peter are hailed as heroes for their efforts to save the city from the deadly creatures. However, as they prepare to leave New York, they discover that the Judas Breed insects have survived and are continuing to evolve, posing a new threat to humanity.
“Mimic” is praised for its atmospheric direction, tense suspense, and imaginative creature design. It’s a chilling and thought-provoking horror film that explores themes of genetic engineering, evolution, and the consequences of playing god with nature.