Step into the captivating world of Cobweb, a thrilling new addition to the realm of horror films. Directed by Samuel Bodin and written by Chris Thomas Devlin, this movie invites audiences to explore a world where appearances deceive and secrets lurk beneath the surface. Starring Lizzy Caplan, Woody Norman, Antony Starr, and Cleopatra Coleman, Cobweb excels in creating an atmosphere of intrigue and suspense. However, it falls short in delivering a satisfying conclusion that ties up its narrative.
The story begins with Peter (Norman) waking up from a nightmare, only to hear strange noises coming from his bedroom walls. As he investigates, he discovers that the walls are knocking back at him. When his mother Carol (Caplan) enters the room, she dismisses his concerns and tucks him back into bed. The following night, Peter hears the voice of a young girl trapped in the walls, pleading for help. Before he can respond, his father Mark (Starr) conveniently interrupts and convinces Peter that it’s all just his imagination.
The next day, Peter draws a picture at school depicting the events from the previous night. His teacher, Miss Divine (Coleman), becomes concerned and decides to visit his home. However, her conversation with Carol proves unsuccessful. Despite her suspicions, Miss Divine chooses not to pry further. Once she leaves, Peter is confronted about his drawing and once again gaslit into believing that his experiences are not real. As the voice in the walls urges him to defend himself against bullies at school, Peter begins to question his own reality and the true nature of the voice.
Cobweb shares similarities with films like Mike Flanagan’s Ouija: Origin of Evil and David F. Sandberg’s Annabelle: Creation. It incorporates modern gothic elements that create a twisted reality where nothing is as it seems. The underlying feeling of dread keeps viewers engaged, as they wonder why the characters are so desperate to hide what’s in the walls. The performances of Starr and Caplan as the villainous parents add depth to Devlin’s script. Additionally, the film skillfully incorporates moments of setup and payoff, such as the significance of cinnamon, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
While I enjoyed Cobweb more than the headline suggests, the conclusion fails to deliver a satisfying resolution that matches the tense buildup. It feels like a rushed ending, as if the production ran out of money and had to come up with something quickly to stay within budget. It leaves the door open for a potential sequel, acting more like a backdoor pilot than a standalone ending. However, it’s important to note that standalone endings can be just as impactful.
Despite its shortcomings, Cobweb benefits from strong performances and a haunting atmospheric tone that delves into the darker corners of the human psyche. It’s a reminder of the flexibility of the horror genre and the potential for taking risks. Unfortunately, this small-budget horror film may be overlooked amidst the buzz of big releases like Barbie and Oppenheimer.
Title: Cobweb
Distributor: Lionsgate
Release date: July 21, 2023
Director: Samuel Bodin
Screenwriter: Chris Thomas Devlin
Cast: Lizzy Caplan, Woody Norman, Antony Starr, Cleopatra Coleman
Rating: R
Running time: 1 hr 28 min
