My quick rating - 6,4/10. Hey, look, it is Homelander (Antony Starr) as the father in this flick. I definitely can relate to a sibling rivalry but this is to the extreme LOL. "Cobweb" invites audiences on a spine-chilling journey through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy, Peter, whose world is turned upside down by a seemingly innocuous tapping sound. This gripping psychological horror film, by first-time full-length feature director Samuel Bodin, masterfully combines an unsettling atmosphere, an enigmatic monster, and a touch of family drama to deliver a memorable cinematic experience. The film's premise centers around Peter's inexplicable terror stemming from the mysterious tapping within his bedroom wall. The tapping, initially dismissed as the product of an overactive imagination by his parents, brilliantly amplifies the tension as the story unfolds. The audience is immersed in Peter's psyche, sharing in his growing paranoia and apprehension. As his fear intensifies, the narrative deftly twists, leading him to suspect his parents of harboring a sinister secret. The flick wouldn't have worked so well if Woody Norman playing Peter didn't convey all these things so well. This shift in perspective adds layers of suspense to the film, causing you to question who and what to believe. The flix eerie atmosphere is one of its greatest strengths. The expert use of dim lighting, shadowy corners, and unsettling camera angles envelops the audience in a world where the line between reality and imagination blurs. The tapping itself becomes a character, a harbinger of dread lurking just beyond the surface. Each instance of the tapping is meticulously timed, creating an unnerving rhythm that resonates long after the credits roll. The visual design of the monster is another standout element of "Cobweb." When finally revealed, the creature is a haunting blend of grotesque and captivating. Its otherworldly appearance is carefully balanced, leaving just enough to the imagination to trigger primal fears. Just something about insanely long hair and a shadowy face gave us a creature that isn't just a cheap scare; it serves as a manifestation of Peter's deepest anxieties, confronting both him and the audience with the monsters we create within our minds. Amidst the horror, the film explores the theme of trust within Peter's family. As he becomes more convinced of his parents' involvement in the tapping and potential malevolence, the film delves into the fragility of familial bonds and the unsettling notion that those closest to us might not always have our best interests at heart. The parent's drama adds an emotional layer to the horror, culminating in a climax that blurs the lines between reality, fear, and psychosis. Both Starr as the father and Lizzy Caplan playing the mother are equally disturbing in totally different ways. As the flick progresses, Cleopatra Coleman as one of Peters teachers plays a significant part in doing what she can to help. All of these elements come together in an atmospheric and haunting exploration of childhood fear, paranoia, and some intense sibling rivalry.
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