Spiderhead (2022) - SPOILER-FREE Review
/
© Courtesy Of Netflix
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Written by: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, Jurnee Smollett
Runtime: 107 min
Synopsis: In a state-of-the-art penitentiary run by brilliant visionary Steve Abnesti (Chris Hemsworth), inmates wear a surgically attached device that administers dosages of mind-altering drugs in exchange for commuted sentences. There are no bars, no cells, or orange jumpsuits. In Spiderhead, incarcerated volunteers are free to be themselves. Until they're not. At times, they're a better version. Need to lighten up? There's a drug for that. At a loss for words? There's a drug for that, too. But when two subjects, Jeff (Miles Teller) and Lizzy (Jurnee Smollett), form a connection, their path to redemption takes a twistier turn, as Abnesti's experiments start to push the limits of free will altogether.
© Courtesy Of Netflix
Editor's Note: Original review was written for Firstshowing. Full article can be found below.
REVIEW SUMMARY
Spiderhead contains a fascinating high-concept sci-fi premise, but even with an extraordinary cast, it falls short of its narrative potential. Chris Hemsworth proves again that he's one of the most underrated actors working today, while Miles Teller and Jurnee Smollett share excellent chemistry. Technically, Joseph Kosinski and his team are able to generate an uneasy atmosphere in a single location without forgetting some visually impressive shot selection. Nevertheless, the story loses energy and focus during the second act, leaving dozens of creative, genuinely captivating paths unexplored or underdeveloped, ultimately choosing the safest, most generic alternative. Revelations and twists are somewhat inconsistent but undeniably impactful. I still highly recommend it. I'm very curious about the general audience's reaction.
