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Drama thriller

Holy Spider (2022): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Holy Spider (2022) movie poster

Holy Spider is a 2022 drama thriller directed by Ali Abbasi, starring Arash Ashtiani as Sharifi, Mehdi Bajestani and Mesbah Taleb. It runs 1 hour 56 minutes and earned $1.7 million worldwide. Critics gave it 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10.

IMDb rating
7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
82%
worldwide gross
$1.7M
Echo Score
75
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Holy Spider (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 56m (116 min)
Director
Ali Abbasi
Genres
Drama , Thriller , Crime
Original language
Persian
Studio
Cinéart
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Holy Spider About?

The premise of Holy Spider without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In the Iranian city of Mashhad, a determined journalist investigates a series of disturbing murders. The killings are perpetrated by a man who believes he is acting on divine will, punishing supposed victims of sin. As the body count increases and the killer gains notoriety, the journalist’s search for answers becomes increasingly perilous, challenging her own sense of morality and threatening to expose uncomfortable truths about society. The investigation pushes her to the edge, blurring the lines between justice and fanaticism.

Holy Spider Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • prostitute
  • mashhad iran
  • journalist
  • serial killer
  • police
  • street prostitute
  • iran
  • prostitution
  • murder of a prostitute
  • sex worker
  • sex work
  • muslim
+38 more
  • religion
  • islam
  • shia
  • trial
  • cigarette smoking
  • sex scene
  • nudity
  • female journalist
  • animal in title
  • hotel
  • drugs
  • dead body
  • religious fundamentalism
  • islamic fundamentalism
  • religious extremist
  • strangulation
  • courtroom
  • drug abuse
  • motorcyclist
  • year 2001
  • two word title
  • night
  • motorcycle
  • murder
  • murder by strangulation
  • killed by strangulation
  • carpet
  • body rolled in carpet
  • body in a carpet
  • body rolled up in a carpet
  • dead body wrapped in a carpet
  • husband wife relationship
  • sentenced to death
  • condemned to death
  • execution by hanging
  • hanging
  • male and female protagonists
  • serial murder
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Cast & crew

Holy Spider Cast & Characters

Arash Ashtiani leads the cast as Sharifi, with Mehdi Bajestani as Saeed and Mesbah Taleb as Ali. Directed by Ali Abbasi; 11 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Ali Abbasi

More films directed by Ali Abbasi, best-rated first: The Apprentice, Border, Shelley and M for Markus.

Full filmography
Ratings

Holy Spider Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Holy Spider 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in art & craft (82) and weakest in story & flow (68).

75 /100

Holy Spider Echo Score Breakdown

Holy Spider delivers a compelling yet unsettling thriller that balances strong visual craftsmanship with a socially charged narrative. Critics commend its striking neo-noir aesthetics and a forceful central performance, while noting moments of exploitation and uneven pacing that temper enthusiasm. User reactions echo the film's potency, highlighting its raw realism and resonant social critique despite occasional discomfort. Overall, the film stands as a powerful, thought‑provoking work that rewards attentive viewing, though its harsher elements may limit repeat engagements.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 82

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels with its lurid neo‑noir visuals and meticulous production design. Critics praise the disciplined cinematography and the film’s atmospheric aesthetic, while noting occasional excess in the depiction of violence. Users echo the effective use of music and visual tension, reinforcing the overall craft. The technical execution is therefore regarded as a notable strength of the work.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When evaluating character and emotion, the central performance by Zar Amir‑Ebrahimi receives consistent acclaim for its nuance and intensity. Supporting reactions note some sidelining of the journalist role, which detracts from character depth. Nonetheless, the portrayal of societal misogyny and the killer’s presence convey a potent emotional charge. Overall, the acting and character dynamics are solid, though not uniformly balanced throughout the film.

  • Story & Flow 68

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative presents a gripping true‑crime premise that sustains tension in the first two acts. Critics point to a less disciplined third act and pacing lapses that dilute narrative momentum. User comments similarly mention structural sluggishness despite the film’s seriousness. Consequently, the plot is seen as compelling but uneven, resulting in a mixed assessment of its overall coherence.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    In the sensory domain, the film’s soundtrack and sound design amplify its oppressive atmosphere, as noted by both critics and viewers. The visual style, marked by stark color palettes and deliberate framing, enhances the thriller’s impact. While some reviewers describe moments of discomfort, the sensory choices are largely viewed as purposeful and effective, contributing positively to the audience’s experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    For rewatch factor, Holy Spider offers a thought‑provoking experience that rewards deeper analysis of its sociopolitical commentary. Critics acknowledge its satisfying thriller elements but cite exploitative scenes that may discourage repeat viewings. User feedback reflects a desire to revisit the film for its context and style, tempered by its unsettling content. Overall, the film provides moderate replay value, especially for viewers interested in its themes.

Plot

Holy Spider Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Holy Spider from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Tehran-based journalist Arezoo Rahimi travels to the Iranian holy city of Mashhad, driven by the urgency to uncover the truth behind a horrific series of murders committed by a serial killer who preys on local street prostitutes struggling with addiction. Dubbed the “Spider Killer” by the media, this heartless murderer employs a chilling method: he picks up his victims on his motorcycle, takes them to an apartment, and strangles them with their headscarves, before callously discarding their bodies in remote areas on the edges of the city.

Full summary

The whole story of Holy Spider, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Holy Spider Box Office

Holy Spider grossed $1.7 million worldwide. $307,188 came from the US and Canada and $1.4 million (82%) from the rest of the world.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.7M

US & Canada
$307.2K
International
$1.4M
US & Canada 18% Rest of the world 82%
Videos

Holy Spider Trailers & Videos

5 videos: 3 trailers, 1 clip and 1 featurette.

Cannes Teaser Trailer
  • Trailer Official US Trailer
  • Trailer Official MUBI Trailer
  • Clip Official Clip
  • Featurette 'Holy Spider' with Ali Abbasi and Zar Amir Ebrahimi | Academy Conversations
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Holy Spider?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What city serves as the backdrop for the murders in 'Holy Spider'?

Details

Holy Spider Also Known As

24 alternative titles, including “Les nuits de Mashhad” and “성스러운 거미”.

Also known as
  • Les nuits de Mashhad
  • 성스러운 거미
  • Svētais zirneklis
  • ฆาตกรรมเภณีเมืองศักดิ์สิทธิ์
  • Kutsal Örümcek
  • 聖誅
  • Svatý pavouk
  • Szent pók
  • Ankaboote Moghaddas
  • Araña Sagrada
  • Święty pająk
  • Убийца «Святой паук»
+12 more
  • Svätý pavúk
  • 聖蛛
  • عنكبوت مقدس
  • Убийца «Священный паук»
  • Araña sagrada (Holy Spider)
  • 聖地には蜘蛛が巣を張る
  • 圣蛛
  • עכביש קדוש
  • Ιερή Αράχνη
  • Светият Паяк
  • Aranya sagrada
  • Püha ämblik

Seen Holy Spider?

FAQ

Holy Spider FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Holy Spider, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Holy Spider?

Holy Spider runs 1 hour 56 minutes (116 minutes).

When was Holy Spider released?

Holy Spider was released on October 28, 2022.

Who directed Holy Spider?

Holy Spider was directed by Ali Abbasi.

More films by Ali Abbasi

Who is in the cast of Holy Spider?

Holy Spider stars Arash Ashtiani as Sharifi, Mehdi Bajestani as Saeed and Mesbah Taleb as Ali, among 11 credited actors.

How much did Holy Spider make at the box office?

Holy Spider grossed $1.7 million worldwide ($307,188 domestic, $1.4 million international).

How is Holy Spider rated?

Holy Spider has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic and 73% on TMDB.

Does Holy Spider have a post-credit scene?

No. Holy Spider has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Holy Spider in?

The original language of Holy Spider is Persian.

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