Genre: Action/
Crime/ Drama
Runtime: 106
minutes
Year:
2022
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, Jurnee Smollett
Description: In the near future, convicts are offered the chance to volunteer as medical subjects to shorten their sentence. One such subject for a new drug capable of generating feelings of love begins questioning the reality of his emotions.
Review: “You’re stich with four life sentences, with no chance of parole”. A sentence no prisoner wants to hear. Yet the prisoner to whom this is told responds with an almost manic fit of laughter, creating an uneasy feeling and an upsetting atmosphere. Unfortunately, this strong beginning does not continue, and while there are plenty of ideas, the execution of them is underwhelming.
“Spiderhead” is set in the
near future. There is a prison complex where occupants are given the chance to
reduce the length of their sentence. All they have to do to do so is participate
in an experimental study of medication the controls people’s emotions. And that’s
not all; the prisoners are allowed to walk around freely and there is an open
kitchen. A deal you can’t turn down, but of course there’s a big, fat catch.
This interesting premise can
cause the necessary moral dilemmas. It is therefore unfortunate that the
beginning is somewhat banal. Lead researched Steve Abnesti can administer
various medicatiosn automitically, including the so-called Luvactin. Its effect
is euphoria and everything si beautiful. Like the other medications at Steve’s
disposal, this one can be cranked up to eleven.
The tests for Luvactin begin
fairly innocently but interestingly. Inmate Jeff looks at a view that actually
consists of a garbage dump and thinks it’s beautiful. The same test is done on
two inmates sitting together, which obviously ends in an intense lovemaking
session. Which becomes a bit silly eventually.
And from there, the various
tests yield more and more when it comes to the moral compass, and other
emotions also pass muster. When the medication is administered, the recipients
first have to acknowledge this and approve that they can. This gives the illusion
of free will, but this is deviously reversed as Steve, in a friendly yet blackmailing
manner, makes people do whatever he wants them to do. Chris Hemsworth, who
plays this Steve, is solid in his role and he tries to make the best of what
this movie is.
“Spiderhead” has a very
interesting premise, but has a very hard time getting it going. Alsmot two-thirds
of the film is over before the first real conflict arises. Which makes it difficult
to stay focused and the keep you interested. It could have been better if they
used the premise to its full potential and made a more thriller-based film.
Such a let-down, very disappointed in this movie.
Rating: 2/ 5
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