In order to successfully scare an audience, a horror film needs to be constructed in a way that builds genuine dread. You can have all the jumpscares in the world but you will still be missing the important ingredient of tension. Thankfully, we are in an era where many filmmakers are able to create truly impressive horror pictures. Directed by Samuel Bodin, Cobweb is a terrifically terrifying tale, handicapped only by an inferior third act. Even so, the captivating performances from the cast and the spine-chilling story make this a memorable movie indeed.
Distraught due to a constant noise inside his bedroom wall, a young boy begins to question the intentions of his strict parents. The film stars Woody Norman alongside Lizzy Caplan, Cleopatra Coleman and Antony Starr.
The insidious mystery that drives Cobweb is undoubtedly mesmerising and will certainly have you at the edge of your seat. The world that has been crafted by Chris Thomas Devlin’s script feels as though it has been ripped from the pages of a dark fairy tale (in all the best ways). In this regard, Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr are spectacular as they help round out a scary story with very few flaws. From a filmmaking perspective, everyone involved must be commended for the picture that has been painted here. Unfortunately, once we reach the third act, a few missteps are made, leaving the movie a little worse because of it.
The flaws regarding the finale of the film have nothing to do with the story. In fact, there are many stand-out moments during this period that contribute to the picture’s overall quality. The negatives here stem from a particular sequence that goes on too long and feels completely unnecessary. While the rest of the movie plays out at a deliberate pace filled with imagery intended to get under your skin, the sequence in question would be more appropriate in a slasher film (which this is not). This addition may be due to a need to extend the narrative’s runtime, but one wishes that the filmmakers would have found other areas to expand.
As touched on earlier, this film is quite incredible on a technical level. Shot through the lens of a comfortable nightmare, Philip Lozano’s cinematography is some of the best you will see all year. Alongside this, the music from Drum & Lace does a fine job of helping the movie be as entertaining as it is.
With every element in mind, Cobweb is a horror film that makes an impact. First-time director Chris Thomas Devlin should be proud of what he has created as this is a movie that many horror fans will likely adore.