Movies

FILM FACTS: 5 Things to Know About “Cobweb”

ClickTheCity
ClickTheCity August 3, 2023
Step into the twisted world of ‘Cobweb,’ a riveting tale of suspense, seen through the eyes of a child.

Prepare to step into the shadowy world of “Cobweb,” a film shrouded in mystery and suspense. Before you enter this eerie realm, let’s arm you with some bone-chilling facts about the film.  Uncover five riveting facts about this cinematic enigma that’s set to grip audiences from start to finish.

1. A Not-So-Imaginary Fear

“Cobweb” centers on eight-year-old Peter who is tormented by a mysterious, incessant tap-tap from inside his bedroom wall, a sound his parents insist is all in his head. This psychological narrative taps into every child’s fear – the fear of the unknown, the fear of being dismissed, and, perhaps most terrifyingly, the fear of their parents harboring a dark secret. Imagine being in Peter’s shoes—what if you heard the ominous tap, tap, tap every night? How will this chilling plot unfold? You’ll have to brave the film to find out.

Woody Norman as Peter in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea.

2. A Sinister Director’s Vision

If there’s one thing that distinguishes “Cobweb” from other thrillers, it’s the sinister vision of its director, Samuel Bodin. Rejecting a conventional approach to storytelling, Bodin crafts a world that’s far from normal, teetering on the edge of a chilling dream. He manipulates ordinary elements to evoke unease, painting a world where nothing is as it seems. A house that’s just a bit too large, doors that squeak unsettlingly loud, and an eerily overripe pumpkin patch – all these elements create a tableau that is both familiar and utterly strange.

Director Samuel Bodin of the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Jun Michael Park

Anchoring this vision is the central character, Peter, through whose terrified eyes we experience this distorted reality. This childlike perspective adds an additional layer of terror to the narrative, subverting familiar safety and comfort.

The director also uses clever sound design, using a simple yet haunting tap, tap, tap to drive the narrative and ratchet up the tension. This auditory motif serves as a constant reminder of the lurking horror. Interestingly, Bodin likens the movie to a “dissonant, wobbly nursery rhyme” and a “Halloween joke gone wrong,” cementing its status as a macabre twist on conventional storytelling. 

3. A Stellar Cast Hailing from Distinct Backgrounds

The cast of ‘Cobweb’ brings an eclectic mix of talents that infuse the film with riveting performances. Leading the cast is Emmy-nominated Lizzy Caplan, whose diverse acting portfolio spans from dramatic roles to comedic performances. Known for her ability to infuse depth into her characters, she has been praised for her roles in various hit series including “Masters of Sex”, “Castle Rock”, and “Fleishman is in Trouble”.

Lizzy Caplan as Carol in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea

In the role of Peter, we have UK-based actor Woody Norman, who has proven his remarkable talent in acclaimed films such as ‘C’mon C’mon’, and ‘The Electric State’. Norman’s authentic and touching performances have already earned him notable accolades such as the London Critics’ Circle Award for Young British/Irish Performer and a nomination for the Critics Choice Award for Best Young Actor/Actress.

Woody Norman as Peter in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea

Bringing warmth and kindness to the film is Australian actress Cleopatra Coleman, renowned for her diverse roles in projects ranging from psychological thrillers like ‘Infinity Pool’ to romantic comedies like ‘The Right One’. Her magnetic performance in the Hulu series “Dopesick” was widely praised, cementing her position as a versatile and compelling performer.

Cleopatra Coleman as Miss Devine in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea

Finally, adding to the stellar line-up is Antony Starr, best known for his character “Homelander” in the hit series “The Boys”. Starr’s portrayal of complex and intense characters has been critically acclaimed, earning him the Critics Choice Super Awards for Best Actor in a Superhero Series and Best Villain in a Series.

(L-R) Cleopatra Coleman as Miss Devine and Antony Starr as Mark in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea

4. A Collaboration of Notable Talents from the 2018 Black List and BloodList

The screenplay for “Cobweb,” a feature film directed by Samuel Bodin for Lionsgate, was penned by Chris Thomas Devlin. The script earned distinction on the 2018 Black List, a prestigious collection of the year’s best unproduced screenplays, and topped the 2018 BloodList, a compilation of the best original horror scripts. This unique collaboration of talent brought a compelling narrative to the screen, further cementing Devlin’s reputation as a gifted writer in the horror genre.

Lizzy Caplan as Carol in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea

5. A Grimm-esque Tale

Drawing inspiration from the dark and twisted tales of the Grimm Brothers, “Cobweb” creates a menacing aura around Peter’s parents. It’s a twisted tale imbued with a disconcertingly playful tone. At its core, the film is akin to a Halloween joke gone wrong. This twisted tale is filled with disquieting surprises and a creeping sensation of dread, much like biting into a poisoned birthday cake – definitely not for the faint-hearted. The film’s soundscape is crafted to mirror a wobbly, dissonant nursery rhyme. This distorted symphony enhances the unsettling tone of the movie, transforming it into a chilling horror tale.

Woody Norman as Peter in the Horror/Thriller film, COBWEB, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Vlad Cioplea

Ready to unravel its secrets? Cobweb is set to reel you into a web of fear, uncertainty, and thrill. It masterfully blends the innocent fears of childhood with a creeping, pervasive horror, creating a thrilling journey that will keep viewers guessing until long after the credits roll. So, brace yourself, and prepare to be swept into the spine-chilling world of “Cobweb.” Who knows what you might uncover within the walls of Peter’s house?

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