The horror doldrums continue from director Samuel Bodin and writer Chris Thomas Delvin in Cobweb from Lionsgate. Mysterious, constant tap plagues eight-year-old Peter (Woody Norman) from inside his bedroom wall – a tapping his parents insist is all in his imagination. As Peter's fear intensifies, he believes his parents, Carol (Lizzy Caplan) and Mark (Antony Starr), could be hiding a terrible, dangerous secret and questioning their trust. And for a child, what could be more frightening than that?
Cobweb is an unfortunate example of a promising concept gone awry. This convoluted thriller attempts to weave together multiple storylines and psychological suspense but creates confusion and dissatisfaction. Despite its alluring premise, the execution could be better, leaving audiences with disappointment and wasted potential.
At the start, it's clear that the movie lacks coherence. The different storylines and characters are introduced haphazardly, and the plot needs to have a clear direction. Instead of creating suspense and interest, the disjointed storytelling only leads to confusion and frustration for the audience.
Cobweb's performances from it's talented casted are disappointing as they fail to rescue it. Cleopatra Coleman has some ok scenes of Miss Devine a teacher of Peter. Her concern for Peter in class, with sunlight shining through the blinds, are intercut with Peter's imprisonment in a dark basement at bedtime.
With the inclusion of talented actors such as Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr in the film, one would expect a more captivating story. However, their characters need more depth and evoke a strong emotional connection with the audience. Woody Norman, who impressed in the movie C'Mon C'Mon two years prior, deserved better material to work with.
The dialogue in the film feels unnatural and forced, making it challenging for the actors to embody their roles. The experienced actors are struggling with the weak script, resulting in performances that could have been more convincing and inspiring.
The film attempts to create psychological tension but falls short due to its reliance on worn-out clichés and predictable plot twists. The psychological elements are underdeveloped and lack depth, leading to an unengaging experience for viewers. Rather than a captivating exploration of the human psyche, it is a shallow and superficial portrayal of mental anguish.
In addition, the technical aspects of the film could use improvement. Although some scenes may impress horror fans, there needs to be more consistency in the cinematography. The camera movements are sporadic, and the editing needs to be more cohesive, confusing the overall experience. The soundtrack meant to increase tension, must be more precise and compelling, failing to enhance the viewing experience.
Cobweb failed to meet expectations despite its potential. The storyline and cast were strong, but the movie needed a satisfying experience. The characters could be more developed, the storytelling could be better, and the execution could be more cohesive. Overall, it's a forgettable movie that leaves you disappointed and searching for a better cinematic experience.
Final Grade:D
Cobweb is in theaters now
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