Cobweb (2023) – Movie Review and Summary
“Cobweb” has a wonderful mystery and build that it squanders thanks to its ending.
General Information
| Director(s) | Samuel Bodin |
| Screenplay By | Chris Thomas Devlin |
| Based On | N/A |
| Date Released (In Theaters) | July 20, 2023 |
| Genre(s) | Fantasy, Horror, Mystery |
| Film Length | 1 Hour 28 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Rated R |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Mom (Carol) | Lizzy Caplan |
| Dad (Mark) | Antony Starr |
| Miss Devine | Cleopatra Coleman |
| Peter | Woody Norman |
| Sarah | Olivia Sussman |
| The Voice | Debra Wilson |
What Is “Cobweb” Rated And Why?
“Cobweb” is Rated R because:
- Dialog: Cursing
- Violence: Blood, Dismembered and brutalized bodies, alongside people being poisoned
- Sexual Content: None
- Miscellaneous: nothing else
Film Summary
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Peter isn’t necessarily the happiest of children. He is bullied at school, his mom Carol is overprotective, and his dad Mark can be a bit extreme when it comes to discipline. Thanks to this combination, the only nice person in his life is his teacher Ms. Divine. That is, until a voice comes from the walls that offers comfort. Originally, just so Peter can have a friend, but in time, the voice identified as Sarah asks Peter for freedom, with a whole backstory of why they are stuck in the wall.
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Peter
Peter is eight and lives a lonely life. He has no friends and no known siblings, and the way his parents act, you’d think he was adopted after they lost their first child.
- The actor is also known for their role in “C’mon C’mon.”
Carol
At one time, Carol was a teacher, but once Peter came into her life, she decided to be a stay-at-home mom and focus only on his upbringing.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Masters of Sex,” Their role in “Extinction,” and their role in “Now You See Me 2.”
Mark
It isn’t clear what Mark does, but he is big on discipline and exerts his authority as the man of the house.
- The actor is also known for their role in “The Boys.”
Ms. Devine
Ms. Devine is a substitute for Peter’s class who takes special notice of him after a disturbing picture is drawn, and it becomes clear he is being bullied.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Sorry For Your Loss: Season 2,” their role in “Infinity Pool,” and their role in “In The Shadow Of The Moon.”
Sarah/The Voice
The voice is something that appears to live in the wall and claims to be friendly. However, it is hard to say why it is in the wall and whether its version of events are true.
- Debra Wilson is also known for their role in “Moon Manor,” their role in “Bodied,” and their role in “A Black Lady Sketch Show.”
Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Highlights
The Creep Factor Is There
“Cobweb” delivers when it comes to creating situations and moments that will make you uncomfortable. Carol, who is unhinged and seemingly never leaves the house, will constantly lead you to wonder if she will eventually snap and kill her entire family. Antony Starr, as Mark, isn’t able to rid himself of Homelander, and with every smile or look that makes it seem he is trying to hold back his impulses, like Carol, you think he will snap.
But, it’s all in what doesn’t happen that makes “Cobweb” better than expected. It is thinking the voice in the wall is in Peter’s head, something made up to protect him from his parents and push him to defend himself. It is the moments where you are tricked into wondering what’s reality or a dream, alongside the camera lingering, having you wait for something to happen, and your blood pressure rising as you expect a jump scare.
What “Cobweb” does best is build up anticipation.
Low Points
The Ending Feels Unfinished
“Cobweb” has an ending that I would love to say is an ellipsis, but it’s not. Like any horror movie, the villain is stopped but not finished off. Rather, they could escape where Peter gets them and, as they promise to, haunt him for the rest of his life. This lack of finality creates a disappointing ending for while I can’t imagine how Peter could legitimately defeat this being who can rip heads off, even with help, it’s the fact that the movie ends without the villain being properly defeated that can be frustrating.
On The Fence
The Visual Effects Of The Villain
All things considered, practical makeup is all the villain needed. There wasn’t a need for whatever visual effects were used that looked like CGI. It ruined the face reveal and almost felt like a sign the film was now going off the cliff and ruining all it built up.
Recommendations
If you like this movie, we recommend:
- The Black Phone: Similar to this, a kid finds themselves speaking to someone who may not be there, whose goal is to keep the lead character alive.
Check out our movies page for our latest movie reviews and recommendations.
FAQs
Answers to some questions you may have regarding this movie:
Does “Cobweb” Setup A Sequel?
It certainly could with the way it ends, but not in a good way.
Does “Cobweb” Have A Mid-Credit or End Credit Scene?
There is neither a mid-credit or end-credit scene.
