Cobweb (2023)

Cobweb taps into well worn horror concepts and delivers something a little different but hardly surprising. We all know from the get go, what Cobweb represents in broad terms. A tale of a child, locked away by its parents, because its different and more than a little, sinister. Stepping beyond the predictable, is a few tweaks that set this horror film apart. Mostly, in a good way. Cleverly re-working aspects of a classic premise, pays dividends in terms of scares and a surprising reveal. What doesn't work so well, is the family dynamic. We all knows its dysfunctional. The fact its so coldly, over stated, feels oppressive. Injecting a little more genuine warmth, into the family's interactions, would have heightened the impact, of the horror, that inevitably unfolds. Acting is decent, especially given the young age of some cast members. Only thing I'm not so sure about is why the voice over for the sister character, ends up sounding like Marge Simpsons, spinster sisters? In summary, enough that's new, grafted onto a well established horror premise, to make this film a success. Somewhat let down, by heavy handling, surrounding the family dynamic.

Woody Norman is quite good in this otherwise rather routine horror movie. He is only eight years old when he suddenly starts hearing noises coming from the walls of their old wooden house. His parents initially try to assuage his concerns but when his well-meaning teacher "Miss Divine" (Cleopatra Coleman) shows them a drawing he made at school, the atmosphere at home becomes distinctly frosty. When the knocking noises become a girl's voice - and this voice starts to encourage him to stand up for himself a bit more, we soon realise that nothing in this house is as he thought. There are secrets galore! The last twenty minutes are certainly the highlight, but original they are not. We have seen the use of these effects all too frequently and though just deserts were handed out enjoyably for a few moments, there just wasn't much by way of jeopardy and the only screaming I heard was of the word sequel. It is difficult to reinvent the wheel; being innovative with this genre is tough. This doesn't not make the grade on that front and is, sadly, really only for Halloween television as it is much of a muchness.

I found it to be a bit boring. 2/3 into the movie, things finally start to happen! Up til then, I found Lizzy Caplan's performance wooden and stiff, and the same for Antony Starr. Woody Norman and Cleopatra Coleman were good, the story is decent enough, but it was all I could do to endure the odd performances to reach the anti-climactic ending. The few scares were old formulas. Sad effort.