Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.5
Overall		3.0

Cobweb Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman September 14, 2023

If you were like most kids, you probably had an irrational fear (or two, or several). The whole aspect of goblins hiding in closets and/or under beds was exploited to delirious effect in Monsters, Inc., while efforts like The Babadook utilized that same basic premise with decidedly less cheery results. In a way, Cobweb might be seen as a kind of sibling to The Babadook, with an ultimate reveal that kind of hilariously makes this film a sibling of a different sort and may recall such gonzo efforts as "The Thing and I" from The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror VII episode. The result is often undeniably disturbing, and some of the practical effects are quite spooky, but Cobweb never really builds to the emotional catharsis it seems to be aiming for.

Typically stories with tots in peril are almost inherently unsettling, and that's certainly the case with regard to this film's focal character, a sweet but troubled little boy named Peter (Woody Norman), whose insecurities almost seem to invite bullying at school. Unfortunately, Peter's home life is not exactly nurturing, and his parents Mark (Antony Starr) and Carol (Lizzy Caplan) are kind of cold and as the story progresses increasingly abusive. It's here where I think Cobweb might have played things slightly differently and delivered a more visceral impact as a consequence. The film really turns out to be about Peter's willing or unwilling trip to "the dark side" (in more ways than one, considering this film's shadowy ambience), and if the entire story had really hinged on Peter becoming a sociopath the whole abusive parent thing might have contributed to the emotionally roiling atmosphere. Instead, it seems at times like it's adding insult to injury, especially when it's revealed (none too surprisingly) that their parenting may not be limited exclusively to Peter.

In the only really nurturing role in the film, Peter's teach Miss Devine (Cleopatra Coleman) gets involved, especially after Peter's Halloween art seem to be hitting a bit close to home (so to speak), and things in fact go completely gonzo in this story on the eve of All Saints Day, in a frankly bonkers twist on any number of horror film tropes ranging from the spider walking of The Exorcist to the masked home invasion antics of You're Next. Suffice it to say that unlike that venerable Simpsons episode (which itself of course referenced any number of hoary horror clichés), it's the cellar rather than the attic that holds a few surprises, though considering all of the skedaddling that has gone on throughout the first two acts of the film, it seems like a veritable prison didn't require a very complicated, um, Escape Plan.

Cobweb Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Cobweb is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Lionsgate Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1. The IMDb lists the Sony Cine Alta Venice as the camera of choice, but fails to specify the resolution of the DI, which I frankly suspect could have been 4K due to some impressive detail levels in some especially dimly lit environments. A lot of the film is graded coolly, which emphasizes a kind of wintry as opposed to autumnal look, but a few isolated outdoor and/or well lit moments really pop quite well and provide excellent fine detail levels. The last third or so of the film both literally and figuratively descends into darkness, and there are some passing deficits in shadow definition which probably only up the angst level. I noticed no compression oddities.

Cobweb Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Cobweb may not offer anything really innovative in its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, but it's still an unsettling, almost hallucinogenic immersive experience at times, especially with the pitter patter of little (?) feet and/or the totally bizarre sound of a long tress of spider encrusted hair being dragged across the floor (if you see the film, you'll understand). Drum & Lace's score also nicely engages the side and rear channels. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English and Spanish subtitles are available.

Cobweb Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Becoming "The Girl" (HD; 3:32) looks at the creation of some of the practical effects for "the monster".


• Through the Eyes of a Child (HD; 2:28) focuses on the point of view of the film.


• A Primal Fear (HD; 2:21) briefly addresses some of the atavistic unease created by the house in this film, which Bodin describes as the fear of "emptiness".

Additionally, a digital copy is included and packaging features a slipcover.

Cobweb Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

My irrational fear as a kid had to do with my parents' custom designed midcentury modern home in the mountains outside of Salt Lake City, where the architect had crafted a really spectacular two story staircase where there weren't risers and so you could look through the treads to a huge picture window looking out on the Salt Lake valley. I was never that consumed with the view, though, because especially at night I kept imagining there was some kind of (invisible) monster that was going to reach through those openings between the treads and grab my ankles as I attempted to either ascend or descend the staircase. Anyone who has experienced similar irrational fears will be completely simpatico with poor little Peter in this film, but the surrounding story is probably both too muddled and ultimately illogical to ever deliver its intended force. Technical merits are generally excellent and the three short supplements appealing, for anyone who may be considering making a purchase.