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Action thriller

Spiderhead (2022): Cast, Ratings & Ending

Spiderhead (2022) movie poster

Spiderhead is a 2022 action thriller directed by Joseph Kosinski, starring Chris Hemsworth as Abnesti, Miles Teller and Jurnee Smollett. It runs 1 hour 46 minutes. Critics gave it 39% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10.

IMDb rating
5.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
39%
Echo Score
60
Metascore
54
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Spiderhead (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 46m (106 min)
Director
Joseph Kosinski
Genres
Action , Sci-Fi , Drama , Thriller
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Spiderhead About?

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

Within a state-of-the-art, high-security prison, inmates are offered a chance to lessen their sentences by participating in experimental trials. Steve Abnesti, a brilliant and unorthodox warden, develops wearable devices that administer mind-altering substances, allowing him to meticulously observe the effects. As subjects Jeff and Lizzy develop a bond, they grapple with the implications of their altered states and the blurring lines between control and free will, challenging the very foundation of Abnesti’s innovative program.

Spiderhead Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • discover
  • medical
  • test
  • reality
  • fictional drug
  • violence
  • room
  • nature
  • bare chested male
  • emotion
  • volunteer
  • love
+38 more
  • drug
  • based on short story
  • prison
  • dystopia
  • blood
  • one word title
  • electronic music score
  • neo noir
  • dark past
  • tragic past
  • tragic event
  • haunted by the past
  • redemption
  • revelation
  • anger
  • laughter
  • f word
  • profanity
  • dancing
  • character says i love you
  • close up of eyes
  • close up of face
  • subjective camera
  • character's point of view camera shot
  • hallucination
  • hallucinogenic drug
  • flashback
  • slow motion scene
  • car crash
  • car accident
  • thrown through a windshield
  • loss of friend
  • death of girlfriend
  • loss of girlfriend
  • death of loved one
  • loss of loved one
  • burned alive
  • car fire
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Cast & crew

Spiderhead Cast & Characters

Chris Hemsworth leads the cast as Abnesti, with Miles Teller as Jeff and Jurnee Smollett as Lizzy. Directed by Joseph Kosinski; 17 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Spiderhead Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Spiderhead 39% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 60/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (35).

60 /100

Spiderhead Echo Score Breakdown

Spiderhead offers a clever premise that initially captures interest, but the film struggles to maintain its momentum after the midpoint. Critics acknowledge the engaging early ideas and strong performances, yet criticize a rushed ending and overall forgettable resonance. Viewer feedback mirrors this split, applauding the concept and acting while lamenting uneven pacing and a lack of depth. As a result, the movie settles into an average, modestly entertaining experience.

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

  • Art & Craft 68

    In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, Spiderhead displays moments of polished production design and competent cinematography, noted for its off‑kilter atmosphere and effective camera work. However, critics point to a rushed conclusion and uneven editing that diminish the overall cohesion. The mixed execution results in a technically competent but unremarkable artistic presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When it comes to character and emotional depth, the film benefits from strong performances by Hemsworth and Teller, delivering nuanced interplay that some reviewers describe as icy yet engaging. Nonetheless, several critics observe a lack of deeper character development and insufficient emotional resonance, especially in the latter half. This produces a competent but ultimately shallow character experience.

  • Story & Flow 45

    Regarding story and pacing, Spiderhead introduces an intriguing sci‑fi concept that captivates early viewers, yet the narrative loses focus as it progresses. Critics and users alike cite uneven pacing, a convoluted second half, and a screenplay that fails to sustain clarity, leading to a forgettable and unevenly engaging experience.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, the film excels with well‑crafted production design, sound design, and a cohesive visual style that many reviewers highlight as a strength. The soundtrack and ambient audio complement the sterile laboratory setting, enhancing immersion despite narrative shortcomings. Overall, the sensory elements provide a polished and engaging backdrop.

  • Rewatch Factor 35

    Rewatch factor for Spiderhead remains low, as critics describe it as forgettable and disposable, and audience feedback suggests limited desire to view it again. While some praise the concept, the uneven execution and lack of lasting impact diminish its replay value, positioning the film as a one‑time viewing rather than a repeatable experience.

Plot

Spiderhead Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Spiderhead from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Spiderhead transports viewers to an innovative penitentiary where the boundaries of human emotions are tested through experimental chemicals. This facility, run by the charismatic Steve Abnesti and his assistant Mark, offers inmates a peculiar chance at freedom; they can reduce their sentences by volunteering for the experimental program. Inmates live in comfort, performing daily tasks and enjoying a level of autonomy typically denied to prisoners, all while undergoing a series of emotional and sensory-altering tests with various drugs.

Full summary

The whole story of Spiderhead, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Videos

Spiderhead Trailers & Videos

7 videos: 2 trailers, 1 clip, 3 featurettes and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

All 7 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Hindi Trailer
  • Clip Exclusive Clip
  • Featurette Chris Hemsworth Welcomes You To Spiderhead
  • Featurette Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller & Jurnee Smollett Break Down a Scene from Spiderhead
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Spiderhead?

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 is the name of the experimental drug that induces feelings of love?

Cars

Cars in Spiderhead

1 car on screen: the 1969 Mercury Cougar.

  • 1969 Mercury Cougar in Spiderhead 1969 Mercury Cougar Minor role
Details

Spiderhead Also Known As

24 alternative titles, including “Escape from Spiderhead” and “蜘蛛头”.

Also known as
  • Escape from Spiderhead
  • 蜘蛛头
  • Голова паука
  • 스파이더 헤드
  • 스파이더헤드
  • สไปเดอร์เฮด
  • Örümcek Kafalı
  • کله عنکبوتی
  • Спайдерхед
  • A pók feje
  • Спайдергед
  • Der Spinnenkopf
+12 more
  • ראש העכביש
  • 蜘蛛頭監獄
  • La cabeza de la araña
  • رأس العنكبوت
  • Pajęcza Głowa
  • Paukova glava
  • Spiderhead: Υπό το Βλέμμα της Αράχνης
  • スパイダーヘッド
  • Voro galva
  • Pajkova glava
  • اسپایدرهد
  • Спайдърхед

Seen Spiderhead?

FAQ

Spiderhead FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Spiderhead, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Spiderhead?

Spiderhead runs 1 hour 46 minutes (106 minutes).

When was Spiderhead released?

Spiderhead was released on June 17, 2022.

Who directed Spiderhead?

Spiderhead was directed by Joseph Kosinski.

More films by Joseph Kosinski

Who is in the cast of Spiderhead?

Spiderhead stars Chris Hemsworth as Abnesti, Miles Teller as Jeff and Jurnee Smollett as Lizzy, among 17 credited actors.

How is Spiderhead rated?

Spiderhead has 5.5/10 on IMDb, 39% on Rotten Tomatoes, 54 on Metacritic and 58% on TMDB.

Does Spiderhead have a post-credit scene?

No. Spiderhead has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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