CREEPY!
Movie Review – Cobweb
Review by Ray Schillaci
Lionsgate Home Entertainment had two great horror flicks this year. Unfortunately, director Samuel Bodin and writer Chris Thomas Devlin did not get the push it deserved as did other films like Talk to Me. Bodin and Devlin have dipped into the icy cold waters of real fears parents have (as did The Babadook) in their version of every child’s nightmare, Cobweb. Shy, little, eight year-old Peter is questioning the sounds in the walls within his bedroom late at night. His oppressive parents Carol, played with a sense of the macabre by Lizzy Caplan (Cloverfield, The Disaster Artist, Castle Rock) and Antony Starr as Mark, a very scary disciplinarian, appear emotionally distant from their son. So it begins, Peter trying to convince his parents something is lurking behind the walls.
Peter’s parents claim he has an overactive imagination, dismissing his fears. He also gets bullied in school. In fact, the only person that appears to be a possible saving grace is his new substitute teacher, Ms. Devine, beautifully played with warmth and care by Cleopatra Coleman (Infinity Pool, Dopesick). She is such a wonderful empath, she’ll go the extra mile for a child, especially Peter, because she senses something is really wrong at home.
Eventually, with no one believing him, Peter tries communicating with what’s on the other side of the wall. It slowly reveals itself as “Sarah” and claims to want to protect Peter. She also warns Peter that his parents are “evil.” Now, Peter’s parents may be a bit strict, distant and odd, but evil? We cannot help but wonder if this voice and the noises are all in the child’s head and he’s acting out or if this is real. What does this thing behind the wall actually have in mind?
It’s Fall and Halloween is coming and Ms. Devine asks all the kids to draw their favorite Halloween picture. Peter ends up drawing a very disturbing picture of him and Sarah. Ms. Devine is taken back and can’t help but show it to his mother. Carol becomes furious. When she relates the incident to Mark, he decides to lock Peter in the basement in the dark as a punishment.
While in the basement, Peter finds a pit covered with a metal grate. Sarah finally communicates with him and what she reveals is terrifying. But, is it the truth? Once again, we don’t really see Sarah, leaving us questioning whether or not this is all made up in the boy’s head.
What director Bodin and writer Devlin have in store for us is a real shocker. There are plenty of twists and turns, but it’s the big reveal that is the topper that had me jumping out of my seat and questioning what the f*@k am I watching! Kudos have to go out to Woody Norman as Peter for a great sympathetic performance.
Cobweb comes in a dark and drab look of a 1080p Blu. But, it fits the entire mood of the picture. It immediately establishes a creepy feeling with the wallpaper that is not easily defined. Colors are muted at times, but close-ups are well defined when the director chooses it to be. Shadow effects are used very effectively. I believe a DVD would do this film a disservice due to how dark it is.
Audio-wise, the Blu comes with a lossless DTS-HD MA soundtrack that certainly surrounds you. The jump scares (and there are a plenty) are only emphasized by the jolts delivered by the track. There’s a nice balance between dialogue and all the sound effects so there is little reason for subtitles, but they are available for those that prefer them. The entire track keeps you on the edge of your seat.
This is Samuel Bodin’s first theatrical feature and it’s very impressive. Of course, it helps to have great stars such as Lizzy Caplan, Antony Starr and Cleopatra Coleman to raise the bar on a film like this. Also, without the right child actor this film just wouldn’t be nearly as effective, but with Woody Norman on hand delivering such a realistic performance, it brings it all down to earth and plays far more frightening. Cobweb is a every child’s nightmare that will creep adults out as well. The nice part, it’s just in time for Halloween.
Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com
Directed by: Samuel Bodin
Release Date: July 21, 2023
Run Time: 88 Minutes
Rated: R
Country: U.S./Bulgaria
Distributor: Lionsgate
