This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Eight-year-old Peter is plagued by a mysterious, constant tap, tap from inside his bedroom wall – a tapping that his parents insist is all in his imagination. As Peter’s fear intensifies, he believes that his parents (Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr) could be hiding a terrible, dangerous secret and questions their trust. And for a child, what could be more frightening than that?

For in-depth thoughts on Cobweb, please see my colleague Lane Mills’ review from its original theatrical release here.

Video Quality

Cobweb arrives on Blu-Ray with a 1080p presentation in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio that delivers a solid HD presentation of the film. Despite the prevalence of shadows within this narrative, you are provided with welcome clarity throughout which allows texture to come through in the backgrounds and clothing. Black levels are decent enough when it comes to depth while exhibiting just a bit of digital noise in the darkest moments. Color saturation is hindered thanks to the cooler color grade cast over the entire film, but this disc represents that choice well. Skin tones are natural, and exposed skin adapts to all of the scenarios that are presented as the story goes along. The film is not one you are going to come to in order to be visually dazzled, but it holds up well on physical media.

Audio Quality

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is utilized effectively to tell this story. This narrative features the sounds of knocking, creaking and more emanating from numerous directions. The movie uses environmental sounds to establish an unsettling mood, and the track retains strong detail even when situations come unraveled. Dialogue comes through perfectly clear as it balances well with the competing elements. The sound design on display here is pronounced within its creative ambitions. The low end does come alive in a few key moments which leaves an impression. This track is very effective and will be appreciated by fans. There are English, English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles provided.

Special Features

Becoming “The Girl”: A three-and-a-half minute featurette which takes a look at the development of the monster including the movement, the makeup, the special effects enhancement and more.

Through The Eyes Of A Child: A two-and-a-half minute piece which explores how the point of view influences various aspects of the film.
A Primal Fear: A two-and-a-half minute look at the fear that is conjured from emptiness.

Final Thoughts

Cobweb is a surprisingly effective horror film which buoys the anxiety by framing the movie through the perspective of a child. The way in which Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr modulate their performances to represent how the kid views them is very unsettling for the audience. The film is not all completely psychological, though, as the film lets loose when it needs to with genuine scares and some carnage. It is a shame this was lost in the summer movie shuffle, as this was a welcome horror gem. Lionsgate Home Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray with a rock solid A/V presentation and a couple of brief supplemental features. Don’t let this one slip by you a second time if you are a horror fan. Recommended

Cobweb is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Lionsgate Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.