In Peter’s bedroom, a mysterious presence disrupts the night with unsettling sounds that evolve into a trapped voice within the walls. Initially frightening, this voice transforms into a comforting presence for Peter, akin to a disembodied guardian angel. However, as Peter soon discovers, this spectral advisor is not as benevolent as she appears, and her counsel is far from pure.
While Samuel Bodin’s “Cobweb” offers an eerie atmosphere enhanced by Philip Lozano’s ominous cinematography, it falls short of its horror aspirations. Jump scares lack intensity, and the plot twists become foreseeable. The film is a subtle creeper, heavy on ambiance but light on substance—resembling a pot that never quite reaches a boil. Despite watching closely, something feels amiss, and the film’s components fail to coalesce into a satisfying experience.
The fundamental elements of a horror movie are present: Peter (Woody Norman), a bullied loner with unsettling auditory experiences; his disconcerting parents, Carol (Lizzy Caplan) and Mark (Antony Starr); and the concerned teacher, Miss Devine (Cleopatra Coleman). Additionally, there’s the otherworldly voice in the wall, whose true identity remains a surprise. Despite the supernatural elements and arachnid presence, Bodin and writer Chris Thomas Devlin, known for the 2022 “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” remake, lay the groundwork for a horror film that ultimately feels underdeveloped.
“Cobweb” is fraught with misdirection—plot points are introduced but fail to lead anywhere substantial. The mystery of a missing trick-or-treater, initially blamed for Peter’s Halloween misfortune, is resolved with minimal impact. Bullies torment Peter, yet their role is inconsistent until a predictably climactic finale. An odd encounter between Miss Devine and Peter’s parents introduces a potential subplot but amounts to little more than a peculiar moment in a film already off-kilter.
Compared to classic “Scooby-Doo” episodes, “Cobweb” lacks sustained suspense in unraveling its mysteries. The viewing experience is dull, prompting a second viewing in the hope of discovering overlooked nuances—unfortunately yielding the same uninspiring result. While Starr and Caplan inject some energy into their erratic performances, and Norman effectively portrays the haunted Peter, these efforts alone cannot revive the lackluster “Cobweb.” Coleman’s role, though limited, fails to capitalize on her potential, with much of the focus remaining on Peter, isolated in his thoughts amid parental admonitions.
Despite attempts at atmospheric shots reminiscent of “The Shining” and a dark cinematographic style reminiscent of “Coraline,” “Cobweb” ultimately disappoints. This film is a lackluster addition to the horror genre, best left to collect dust rather than being a captivating cinematic experience.
Now playing in theaters.