Bringing Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller on screen together in a dystopian dark dramady is Netflix’s newest release, Spiderhead. The film adapts a short story that questions everything from experimental pharmaceutical drugs to penal servitude and morality — All which make for a great movie premise.
But does this mean Spiderhead is worth watching? Or is it a skip?
Spiderhead has received mixed to average reviews, that praise the mostly faithful adaption of George Saunders’ work and the cast’s gripping acting. However, it lacks on other fronts such as cinematography, new plot additions and revised ending.
It pains me that a story with so much potential couldn’t really have it translated to the screen. Just look at all the creative minds behind it: Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), Rhett Reese, and Paul Wernick (Deadpool, and Deadpool 2). That line-up itself with the A-list cast would get your hopes up.
Still, let’s leave it up to you to make the ultimate choice. To help you decide whether you should watch this movie or skip it, I’ve highlighted the high and low points of Spiderhead.
Plot Overview
Spiderhead follows Jeff, who is sent off to an unorthodox prison, Spiderhead, after he is convicted of manslaughter during a drunk driving accident.
The prison, overseen by Steve Abnesti, runs drug experiments on the innates but otherwise treats to them a hospitable life without being handcuffed or behind bars.
However, when Jeff is experimented on with the love drug, he begins to question the legitimacy of the Spiderhead program.
Spiderhead’s High Point: Acting
We already knew that Chris Hemsworth was a commendable actor, who’s tackled his fair share of action, heroism and comedies. But Spiderhead is a whole new side of him, as he takes on the role of the suave, enthusiastic “mad” scientist.
Miles Teller is an equal delight to watch, especially as someone who’s emotions are being toyed with and controlled. Watching him go from confused, aroused and then distraught — all in that order within five minutes, really sold what Abnesti’s drugs could do.
Hemsworth and Teller bounce off each other’s energy as none other. My favorite bit was watching how with the biggest, most charismatic smile on his face, Abnesti would try sell Jeff the idea that wacky drugs they’re experimenting with can one day save the world. He got me agreeing for a moment too!
Spiderhead’s Low Point: Cinematography
Visually, there was not going on to keep me hooked onto the film. There’s a part in the beginning where Jeff is supposed to be experiencing visual effects from the N-40 drug. But other than Tellers’ convincing voice over, there are very few pleasing visual cues to tell us what the user actually feels from the drug.
There are also several instances where the film verbally dumbs down the scene, just to inform the audience about key plot points via dialogue.
The thing with short stories is that the limited information on page is what helps accentuate the horror of its subject. When you want to translate such a small written work on screen and achieve the same effect, you have to be clever with the way you shoot or portray things — none of which Spiderhead even attempted.
It’s a bit of a shame that the acting and the cinematography was not on the same footing.
Verdict: Spiderhead is a Mixed Bag That You Can Skip
Spiderhead is close to being two hours long, so watching it can be a commitment.
You may want to watch this if: you’re familiar with the short story and want to see how it gets played out on screen, or/and would like to invest your time in Hemsworth and Teller’s gripping performance on screen.
At its core, Spiderhead does have some engaging issues — The nature of drug experimentation in the real world and its ethical boundaries, tied in with an introspection of human morality and emotions. But I found that the film only danced around these topics instead of actually addressing them.
Spiderhead could’ve been so much more had it hit the mark. Unfortunately, I’d recommend hitting skip.
About Spiderhead
Spiderhead is an upcoming American science fiction thriller film directed by Joseph Kosinski, with a screenplay by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, based on the dystopian short story “Escape from Spiderhead” by George Saunders. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, and Jurnee Smollett. Hemsworth is also a producer on the film. Principal photography took place in Australia, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Spiderhead is scheduled to be released on Netflix on June 17, 2022.
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