Spider
User Score
6.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 42
  3. Negative: 4 out of 42

Review this movie

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. JoshuaW.
    Apr 2, 2003
    9
    The ending of this film really brought the whole story to an exciting conclusion. The pace may have been slow for the most part but that only helped to create the proper mood to help give us a better understanding of how Fiennes' character works. The end had a great twist, not just in terms of it's story, but also in how we view Fiennes and Byrne's characters. This was a great film.… Expand
  2. Methusalah
    Jan 9, 2008
    10
    This movie was visually astounding. It had more eye catching, amazingly framed scenes than any previous Cronenberg movie. A surreal trek through a day in the life of a mentally ill individual.
  3. BillyO.
    Nov 3, 2003
    10
    I have seen a lot of movies recently and this one is by far the best. The first time I watched it I was a bit confused, but then I watched it again with the commentary on and it revealed an extremely deep interesting movie. One of the most layered and deep movies I have seen in a long time. Go out and rent Spider, watch it, and watch it again with the commentary on. You will realize its brilliance.… Expand
  4. [Anonymous]
    Feb 28, 2003
    10
    A masterpiece of filmmaking with superb acting, directing, writing, and cinematography. Cronenberg takes us on a captivating journey into the complexities of the human mind.
  5. PedroS.
    Mar 13, 2003
    9
    This is one of the best films of the year and it proves that less is more with both of the lead characters performance. It nice to know that there are still movies like this eeing made.
  6. JonathanH.
    Apr 3, 2004
    10
    Great, breathtaking performances, wonderful visuals, sadly very little-seen.
  7. MathewB.
    Jul 6, 2007
    10
    A masterpiece of perception of reality vs. reality
  8. williamw
    Apr 1, 2009
    10
    The most nerve-racking, chillingly precise film about mental illness ever made. In my humble opinion, the director's magnus opus.
  9. BernieC.
    Aug 21, 2003
    9
    Slow, extremely nuanced study of mental illness. One of the few films that allows the viewer to experience the inner workings of a damaged personality. The performances are pitch perfect.
  10. Eon
    Oct 20, 2006
    9
    Great acting, great directing, great puzzle. ;)
  11. Vocecita
    Oct 26, 2006
    10
    An excellent movie.
  12. Elliott
    Aug 24, 2003
    10
    The most accurate film about psychological madness since Roman Polanski's Repulsion in 1965. What Fiennes and Richardson do with their acting is nothing short of miraculous. Easily Cronenberg's best since Dead Ringers, and his direction is perfect.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Michael O'Sullivan
    90
    His story is sad, compelling and morbidly, tragically watchable.
    Read full review
  2. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    88
    What catches us in Spider's web -- besides the indelible performances of Fiennes and Richardson -- is the director's sympathy with this freak man-child who struggles to order his confused memories into a kind of truth.
    Read full review
  3. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Rick Groen
    88
    This is a rare adaptation where the script (by McGrath himself) heads straight for the novel's horrible essence, reproducing it non-verbally and in an even more concentrated form.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »