Spider (2002)
80%RT Audience Score: 68%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
27 wins & 55 nominations total
Spider, the latest offering from the master of body horror, David Cronenberg, has been met with mixed reviews. While some critics praise the film’s understated treatment of its subject matter and strong performances, others find fault with its slow pace and lack of bite. However, as a highly intelligent and verbose critic, I must say that Spider is a triumph of psychological horror, a haunting exploration of the legacy of mental trauma. Cronenberg’s direction is masterful, evoking a sense of claustrophobia and brooding intensity that is both creepy and hypnotic. The film’s damp wool texture and grubby splashes of atmosphere create a truly immersive experience, one that lingers long after the credits roll. While it may not be for everyone, Spider is a must-see for fans of Cronenberg’s oeuvre and those who appreciate intelligent, thought-provoking cinema.
Spider is a slow burn of a movie that relies on strong performances and a creepy atmosphere to keep you engaged. While it may not be for everyone, those who have the patience to stick it out will be rewarded with a thoroughly creepy and hypnotic film that will leave you feeling like you need a shower. David Cronenberg’s direction is understated and austere, which only adds to the film’s claustrophobic brooding. Overall, Spider is definitely worth a watch if you’re in the mood for something a little off the beaten path. Just don’t expect to come out of it feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Iceland
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for sequences of action/violence, some language and brief suggestive comments
Year of Release
2002
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby
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Aspect ratio:NA
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Runtime:1h 38m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Feb 28, 2003 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2017
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Ralph Fiennes, Miranda Richardson, Gabriel Byrne, Lynn Redgrave, John Neville, Bradley Hall, directed by David Cronenberg, written by Patrick McGrath, genre Drama, box office performance $1.6M, budget unknown, reviewed by Barbara Ellen, Marc Savlov, Eric Harrison, Chris Vognar, Bill Muller, Roger Moore, Felicia Feaster, Steve Erickson, PJ Nabarro, Emanuel Levy, Jennie Kermode, MPAA rating R, schizophrenia, sanitarium, halfway house, childhood trauma, abusive father, murdered mother, prostitute, personal writing, haunted mind, Ralph Fiennes’ performance, slow pace, strong performances, atmosphere, emotion, plot, David Cronenberg’s film, Catherine Bailey’s production, Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR, Flat (1.85:1) aspect ratio
Worldwide gross: $1,892,667,830
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $2,058,478,253
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 15
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 224,479,635
US/Canada gross: $804,667,830
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $875,162,140
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 17
US/Canada opening weekend: $260,138,569
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $282,928,456
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 4
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $200,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $217,521,344
Production budget ranking: 74
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $117,135,244
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $1,723,821,665
ROI to date (est.): 515%
ROI ranking: 247
Miranda Richardson – Mrs. Cleg, Yvonne
Gabriel Byrne – Bill Cleg
Bradley Hall – Boy Spider
Lynn Redgrave – Mrs. Wilkinson
John Neville – Terrence
Director(s)
David Cronenberg
Writer(s)
Patrick McGrath, Patrick McGrath, David Cronenberg
Producer(s)
Catherine Bailey
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
27 wins & 55 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (136) | Top Critics (43) | Fresh (115) | Rotten (21)
The film’s slow, plodding pace relies too much on strong performances and grubby splashes of “atmosphere” rather than genuine emotion and plot.
January 3, 2018
Barbara Ellen
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
May 4, 2003 | Rating: 3.5/5
Marc Savlov
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
This is one of the director’s most accomplished films.
April 26, 2003 | Rating: A
Eric Harrison
Houston Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
It’s a pleasure to watch such an understated treatment of potentially sensational subject matter.
April 24, 2003 | Rating: B+
Chris Vognar
Dallas Morning News
TOP CRITIC
Although languid to a fault, Spider offers some payoff for those with enough patience to stick it out.
April 11, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Bill Muller
Arizona Republic
TOP CRITIC
Definitely a trip into unexplored territory.
April 10, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Roger Moore
Orlando Sentinel
TOP CRITIC
Cronenberg’s thoroughly creepy and hypnotic film often has the texture of damp wool, his evocation of claustrophobic brooding so intense you can nearly smell the mildew.
February 4, 2020
Felicia Feaster
Creative Loafing
Compared to his previous literary adaptations Dead Ringers and Naked Lunch, however, Spider has little bite.
November 10, 2018
Steve Erickson
Nashville Scene
An engrossing work by Cronenberg, and you have to admire his steadfastness and sense of austerity in committing to such a quiet, pungent story on the legacy of mental trauma.
November 10, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
PJ Nabarro
Patrick Nabarro
December 25, 2012 | Rating: A-
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
December 7, 2007 | Rating: 4/5
Jennie Kermode
Eye for Film
Spider deserves much more than it’ll probably get, it’s a fine and enjoyable film from a cinematic master.
June 21, 2007 | Rating: A-
Jason Gorber
Film Scouts…
Plot
Peter Parker’s secret identity is revealed to the entire world. Desperate for help, Peter turns to Doctor Strange to make the world forget that he is Spider-Man. The spell goes horribly wrong and shatters the multiverse, bringing in monstrous villains that could destroy the world.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Ralph Fiennes is praised for his brilliant performance in this haunting David Cronenberg film.
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