2023’s Cobweb Deserves to Be a Halloween Staple (& It’s on Netflix Now)

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With fall officially here, it’s the perfect time for a scary movie, and you should definitely check out . It didn’t do well in theaters, but it’s become popular through recommendations. People are loving its creepy sets, unsettling mood, and unexpected ending. It’s a real hidden gem that perfectly captures the autumn spirit – even more so than classic fall activities like enjoying apple cider donuts! It’s a great addition to your spooky season watchlist.

If you didn’t get a chance to see Cobweb when it was in theaters last year, great news – it’s now streaming on Netflix! As the weather turns colder and the nights get longer, it’s the perfect creepy backdrop for all your fall activities. I’m planning on putting it on while I carve pumpkins, make some soup, or just curl up with a scary book. It is rated R, but honestly, it’s pretty mild for a Halloween horror movie, especially if you’ve seen something like Terrifier 2. It makes it a good option for a lot of people. With October just around the corner, now is the perfect time to finally check out Cobweb and really get in the Halloween spirit!

Cobweb Was Overlooked When It Hit Theaters in 2023

Cobweb centers around Peter, a shy and often bullied eight-year-old boy, and his unsettling home life with his strange parents, Carol and Mark. At school, he’s tormented by a classmate named Brian, who destroys something Peter worked hard on. Things are even scarier at home, where he’s forbidden from trick-or-treating and begins hearing a mysterious voice coming from inside the walls – especially troubling since a young girl has gone missing in town. Luckily, Peter finds a friend in his substitute teacher, Miss Devine, who senses something isn’t right and tries to help, ultimately becoming involved in the complicated issues surrounding him.

Cobweb unfolds like a mystery, gradually revealing all its answers by the end. The story centers around a dark secret from Peter’s parents, which kicks off the plot and feels like a classic scary story shared at a sleepover. However, what begins as a typical ghost story unexpectedly transforms into something far more unsettling, taking a fairytale-like turn that audiences won’t see coming.

It’s surprising that the horror film Cobweb didn’t immediately become a hit, considering its strong qualities and performances. However, timing is crucial for a movie’s success. Films aiming for Academy Awards are usually released in November or December, while January is often seen as a month for horror movies that aren’t expected to do well.

The movie Cobweb unfortunately came out at the wrong time. Lionsgate released it in July 2023, but its Halloween setting would have made October a much better fit. To make matters worse, it was released while Barbie and Oppenheimer were dominating theaters. Facing such strong competition, Cobweb only earned $10 million despite costing around $13 million to make. It completely

Reviews for Cobweb weren’t great, mirroring its low attendance in theaters. It received a 5.9/10 on IMDb, a 59% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a score of 50 on Metacritic. Most viewers agreed the film’s spooky atmosphere and autumnal feel were its strongest points. While initial reactions were lukewarm, positive word-of-mouth gradually increased attention for Cobweb. Now, many are reconsidering the film and enjoying it as a fun Halloween watch.

The Film Is a Must-Watch Every October for Halloween

From beginning to end, Cobweb perfectly captures the feeling of autumn. The story unfolds in the suburban town of Holdenfield just before Halloween, and the changing seasons and cooling weather enhance the film’s dark mood. Outdoor scenes are consistently gray and overcast, filled with falling leaves and aging trees. The town itself feels old and worn, with dilapidated houses and creaky playgrounds, evoking a similar atmosphere to classic horror settings like Haddonfield in Halloween or Springwood in A Nightmare on Elm Street, which adds to the overall spookiness.

Beyond the spooky story, Cobweb creates a strong autumn and Halloween atmosphere through its detailed sets and costumes. Peter’s classroom and house are decorated for fall, with pumpkins, dim lighting, and vintage features. The characters wear cozy, seasonal clothing, and scenes include comforting touches like coffee and soup – even if the soup has a sinister twist! These visual details work together to fully immerse viewers in the Halloween spirit.

The autumn season is a strong presence in Cobweb, and because of this, some plot points, such as the disappearance of a girl and instances of bullying, feel less central. The movie relies more on atmosphere and music than on extensive dialogue. It’s a great choice for people new to horror, offering creepiness without being overly graphic or frightening. The film’s visuals are beautifully autumnal, and the acting, especially from Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr as the parents, is genuinely disturbing. It’s perfect background entertainment for Halloween night, and Cobweb should definitely be on everyone’s list of holiday horror films.

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2025-10-30 19:08