Spiderhead (2022) - Review

This Netflix thriller was a pleasant surprise. This is the type of premise you’ve seen before, as a charming scientist keeps test subjects prisoner to continue to innovate until they revolt. It’s a formula for sure, but Spiderhead has some aspects in its favor to keep it from being dull. The performances for starters. Miles Teller and Jurnee Smolett are great, but Chris Hemsworth is the MVP. I keep forgetting how versatile he is as an actor, and he delivers a charismatic performance with the widest range of emotions you could think of. The slick direction from Joseph Konsinski also aids from keep this film energetic and engaging. The editing and the structure of the screenplay keeps the pace high, and allows the mysteries to unfold in interesting ways. The biggest negative, other than the generic plot in general, is the lack of impact a lot of the scenes have, and I can’t tell if it is directing issue or a writing issue. A lot of moments are just missing that omph, you know. While Spiderhead might not be as investing on the emotional side, it’s still a pretty good time with the talent in front and behind the camera delivering some great work.