Cobweb (2023) Movie Review
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IMDb Rating: ★★★★☆ (5.9/10)
Stars: Lizzy Caplan, Antony Starr, Cleopatra Coleman
Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Director: Samuel Bodin
Writer: Chris Thomas Devlin
Overview
Samuel Bodin’s Cobweb (2023) is a psychological horror thriller that plays with childhood fears, paranoia, and the unsettling feeling of something lurking in the dark. The movie takes a slow-burn approach, focusing more on atmospheric tension rather than outright jump scares, making it feel like a blend of Hereditary and The Babadook, but with its own eerie identity.
Plot Summary "Spoiler-Free"
The story follows an introverted young boy, Peter "Woody Norman", who begins hearing strange noises coming from inside the walls of his home. His overbearing parents, played by Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr, dismiss his fears, insisting that he’s imagining things. However, as Peter starts to uncover dark secrets hidden within his house, he begins to question whether his parents are telling him the truth—or if they’re hiding something far more sinister.
What Works?
Atmosphere & Cinematography:
The film does an excellent job of creating an unsettling mood. The dimly lit interiors, eerie sound design, and slow camera movements contribute to a claustrophobic feeling, making the audience feel trapped in Peter’s world of paranoia.
Antony Starr & Lizzy Caplan’s Performances:
Starr "The Boys" and Caplan "Cloverfield, Castle Rock" deliver chilling performances as Peter’s strange and emotionally distant parents. Their unsettling demeanor adds an extra layer of mystery to the story are they protecting Peter, or are they the real monsters?
Suspenseful Build-Up:
The script smartly plays with psychological horror elements, keeping viewers engaged with its “Is it real or is it all in his head?” approach. The slow revelation of the mystery is handled well, keeping the tension high.
A Creepy, Fairytale-Like Narrative:
The movie has a gothic fairy tale quality, reminiscent of Hansel & Gretel or Coraline. The house itself feels like a character, filled with secrets, whispers, and hidden horrors.
What Falls Short?
Pacing Issues:
While the slow-burn approach works for tension-building, some viewers might find the first half too drawn out. The real action and horror elements only kick in later, which could test the patience of those expecting a more fast-paced horror experience.
Predictability & Some Unanswered Questions:
While the mystery is intriguing, horror fans may find some twists predictable. The film hints at deeper psychological and supernatural elements but doesn’t fully explore them, leaving some threads unresolved.
Underdeveloped Side Characters:
Cleopatra Coleman, who plays Peter’s sympathetic teacher, could have been given more depth. Her character adds an interesting perspective, but she feels underused.
Final Verdict: Is Cobweb Worth Watching?
If you enjoy slow-burn psychological horror with a fairytale-like creepiness, Cobweb is worth a watch. It’s not a jump-scare-heavy horror flick but rather an unsettling, eerie mystery that lingers in your mind. Antony Starr and Lizzy Caplan deliver excellent performances, and the film’s atmosphere is genuinely haunting.
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