Happy Goat Horror

Creepy and unsettling, Cobweb is a psychological horror film that doesn’t rely too heavily on cheap scares but instead builds a tense atmosphere where nothing is as it seems. Its slow-burn suspense might test the patience of some, but for those willing to lean into its eerie vibe, it delivers an emotionally charged story that lingers long after the credits roll.

“There’s always something in the dark.”

The Premise

In Cobweb, young Peter (Woody Norman) is plagued by disturbing voices coming from the walls of his room. His well-meaning but controlling parents (Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr) insist there’s nothing to fear, but as Peter’s paranoia deepens, he uncovers dark secrets that suggest the horror he’s experiencing might not just be in his head.

This narrative of childhood trauma meshed with supernatural suspense is grounded in the discomfort of isolation. The film explores how perception can be manipulated by fear, with an ever-present dread of something lurking just beyond the edge of the light.

“The walls have ears… and eyes.”

The Execution

The performances in Cobweb are solid, with Woody Norman capturing the vulnerability and growing anxiety of Peter. Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr, as the increasingly menacing parents, both play their roles with a quiet intensity that amps up the tension. The shifting dynamic between Peter and his parents is one of the film’s core strengths, making the horror not just external, but deeply psychological.

Director Samuel Bodin manages to sustain an eerie atmosphere, using lighting and set design to make Peter’s home feel claustrophobic, a prison of sorts. The visual aesthetic is effective in creating a sense of dread, even in mundane spaces, and the constant tension within the family dynamic keeps the stakes high.

“Sometimes the truth is worse than the lie.”

The Horror Elements

Though Cobweb isn’t a full-throttle horror experience, it excels at building an atmosphere where every creak of the floorboard or whisper from the wall adds to the sense of impending danger. The supernatural elements remain mostly in the background, never fully revealed until the film’s final act, but their influence grows with every scene. The real horror here is the manipulation of Peter’s mind and the slow reveal of his parents’ secrets.

It’s a film that doesn’t always go for the jump scare, opting instead for a more insidious, creeping terror that feels earned and unrelenting. The buildup pays off with a chilling climax that might leave some unsettled in the best way.

“No one is safe when the truth comes out.”

Final Thoughts

Cobweb isn’t a revolutionary horror film, but it’s a well-crafted and effective psychological chiller that balances eerie atmosphere with strong performances. The story is familiar, but its execution keeps things fresh, offering enough twists to keep the viewer on edge. It won’t blow you away, but it will keep you hooked until the final, revealing moment.

Strengths

• Strong performances, particularly from Woody Norman and Lizzy Caplan
• Excellent atmosphere and tension building
• Effective use of psychological horror over traditional scares

Weaknesses

• Some viewers might find the film’s use of the supernatural elements a bit restrained, with the horror largely psychological and slow to fully unfold.
• While the atmosphere is effectively eerie, the emotional stakes may feel underdeveloped for some viewers, particularly when it comes to the family dynamics, which could have used a deeper exploration to make the final twist more impactful.

Score: A compelling 7.5, a solid psychological horror film with an atmosphere that stays with you.