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Spiderhead

Spiderhead

How far would you go to fix human nature?

2022106 minRMidcredits score: 22nd percentile of all films
Director
Joseph Kosinski
Starring
Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, Jurnee Smollett, Mark Paguio

A prisoner in a state-of-the-art penitentiary begins to question the purpose of the emotion-controlling drugs he's testing for a pharmaceutical genius.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Spiderhead?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Spiderhead streaming on Netflix.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Spiderhead?

Spiderhead earns 3 badges, led by Overhyped and Broadly Agreed.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Spiderhead worth watching?

Spiderhead's Midcredits score is the 22nd percentile of all films, from 76K ratings across 2 sources. 25% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

22nd percentile

Better received than 22% of films

35th percentile among Action23rd percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)32nd
Approval (how many liked it)15th

56 /100

32nd percentile of all films

48th percentile among Action35th percentile among 2020s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.5 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

25% liked it

15th percentile of all films

26th percentile among Action17th percentile among 2020s
25% rated it 7–1075% rated it 1–6

95th percentile

74K ratings across platforms

90th percentile among Action96th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 13% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$60M

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film has a compelling sci-fi premise but fails to fully develop its ideas, leaving both camps wanting more from the execution.

Fans praised

  • Lead performances by Hemsworth and Teller
  • Intriguing high-concept premise
  • Visual flair and production design

Detractors panned

  • Unbalanced tone and genre confusion
  • Underdeveloped script and wasted potential
  • Unsatisfying, rushed conclusion

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

Hemsworth's charismatic villainy and Teller's emotional range praised by fans; detractors cite miscasting for Hemsworth's scientist role

Cinematography75

Visually polished with clean production design

OriginalityDivisive50

Novel premise derivative of Black Mirror and earlier sci-fi

Plot and storyDivisive45

Interesting premise squandered by predictable structure and thin narrative

CharactersDivisive40

One-dimensional supporting roles and underdeveloped backstories

PacingDivisive35

Slow first half, rushed third act, repetitive middle

TensionDivisive30

Lack of genuine suspense; fails to build stakes

EndingDivisive25

Abrupt, predictable resolution that feels anticlimactic

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Spiderhead like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Dark humor
Register
Satirical · 5% of filmsWry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film maintains a wry, satirical tone toward its corporate and scientific subject matter, undercutting the drama with occasional dark humor.
The rideDread builds as Jeff resists Abnesti's demands, culminating in a tense escape with a bittersweet coda.
StructureThe story unfolds in linear chronological order, following Jeff's journey from inmate to escape.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's exploration of consent and free will prompts reflection, while the escape and the character's struggle with guilt leave a bittersweet aftertaste.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% (this title) · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Corporate villainy: A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).

21% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeJeff, a prisoner in a high-tech penitentiary, uncovers the corrupt pharmaceutical company running the facility and escapes with another inmate.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% (this title) · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Redemption · 6% of filmsGuilt · 3% of filmsFreedom · 5% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeJeff's journey centers on seeking forgiveness for killing his friend and girlfriend while driving drunk, a quest complicated by a system that exploits his guilt.
StanceThe film questions whether redemption is possible through sincere choice and accountability, rather than chemical manipulation.

The world

Near futureInstitutionalScience fiction
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Joseph Trapanese
Settingan isolated high-tech prison-laboratory where inmates test experimental drugs
MusicBlends electronic textures with orchestral swells to underscore tension and emotional beats.

Content guide

Is Spiderhead okay for kids?

R

Spiderhead is rated R: “Rated R for violent content, language and sexual content” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (61/100), sexual content at moderate (51/100), language at intense (65/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (59/100) and frightening material at intense (63/100). Overall it is heavier than 45% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 36 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaR
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • France16
  • Ireland15
  • New ZealandR16
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil16
  • Argentina+16
  • Austria16
  • Belgium16
  • BGD
  • FinlandK-16
  • GreeceK15
  • Hungary16
  • IndiaA
  • Israel16
  • LTN-16
  • LU16
  • LV16+
  • MexicoC
  • MY18SG
  • Netherlands16
  • PhilippinesR-16
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/16
  • PRR
  • RO15
  • SingaporeM18
  • South Africa16
  • Spain16
  • Switzerland16
  • Türkiye18+
  • UA16+
  • VIR
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 67% of all filmsHeavier than 45% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 37%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 57%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 48%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 75%
Frightening / Intense
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 51%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language, frightening material, and violence.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Spiderhead have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Spiderhead?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Chris Hemsworth
as Abnesti
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Miles Teller
as Jeff
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jurnee Smollett
as Lizzy
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mark Paguio
as Verlaine
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Tess Haubrich
as Heather
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
BeBe Orleans
as Emma
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Nathan Jones
as Rogan
Angie Milliken
as Sarah
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Ron Smyck
as Dave
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Joey Vieira
as Miguel

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Spiderhead?

Movies like Spiderhead include Tron: Legacy (2010), The Hunger Games (2012) and RoboCop (2014). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Joseph Kosinski, and most are films set in the near future.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its world: dystopian. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Spiderhead?

467 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: scientist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.