Director Samuel Bodin sets the stage with unsettling energy, thanks to Philip Lozano’s ominous cinematography. The film’s atmosphere is thick with tension, and spiders—yes, spiders—add to the creepiness. However, despite its supernatural promise, “Cobweb” falls short of its scary ambitions. Jump scares lack their intended impact, and the twists are disappointingly predictable.

Peter’s parents, Carol (Lizzy Caplan) and Mark (Antony Starr), contribute to the film’s eerie vibe. Carol and Mark are disconcerting figures, and their treatment of Peter raises questions. Miss Devine (Cleopatra Coleman), Peter’s caring teacher, becomes more invested in his well-being than his own parents. And then there’s the enigmatic voice in the wall—an unexpected twist that I won’t spoil.

However, “Cobweb” suffers from misdirection. Threads are woven into the story but never fully explored. A missing trick-or-treater mystery fizzles out, bullies torment Peter without resolution, and odd moments—like Mark’s nonchalant response to a gaping slash on his forearm—leave us scratching our heads. The film’s tempo feels off, like a discordant melody.

Yet, there’s redemption in the second act. As the real terror awakens, “Cobweb” finds its footing. The tension tightens, and the stakes rise. The movie’s flaws—pacing, convoluted editing, and occasionally questionable CGI—are overshadowed by the genuine fear it evokes.

Lizzy Caplan, as Carol, injects charisma into the film. Her performance adds depth to an otherwise uneven narrative. While “Cobweb” stumbles, Caplan’s presence keeps us engaged.