"Spiderhead" is an eerie dystopian thriller centered on a state-of-the-art penitentiary
where volunteer inmates are the subjects of mind-altering experiments.
"Your presence in this facility, while technically a punishment, is a privilege."
"Spiderhead" features a stellar cast and an accomplished visionary behind the lens.
Here's a look at all the reasons to get excited about "Spiderhead" before it arrives on Friday,
June 17.
"Spiderhead" is an adaptation of the original George Saunders short story "Escape from Spiderhead,"
which was first published in "The New Yorker" in 2010 and also appeared in his published
collection "Tenth of December" in 2013.
"Escape from Spiderhead" became a fast favorite for screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick.
You may recognize the duo, who previously collaborated on the scripts for hit films
like "Zombieland," "Deadpool," and "6 Underground."
The two spent a decade working on their adaptation of "Escape from Spiderhead."
Taking the helm of "Spiderhead" is accomplished director Joseph Kosinski, whose sharp visual
style has made him a standout in the sci-fi and action film spheres.
Kosinski, a former architect, made his theatrical debut with 2010's "TRON: Legacy" before adapting
his own ambitious graphic novel for 2013's sci-fi thrillride "Oblivion."
Kosinski then impressed again with 2017's action drama "Only the Brave," and he also
directed the much-anticipated action sequel "Top Gun: Maverick."
Kosinki was drawn to the story of "Spiderhead" because of its thoughtful approach to the
growing prevalence of technology in modern day life, saying,
"I felt the story had an interesting way of addressing how we live today with our devices
and this desire to control as much as we can.
[...] But technology's not going to save us.
There's no pill or app that's going to make us love each other more or behave better."
"We're making the world a better place."
Chris Hemsworth leads the film with a delightfully captivating performance as the enigmatic Steve
Abnesti.
Hemsworth is the very definition of a movie star who's perhaps best known for his long-lived
role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
"That sounds like some mythic shit."
Hemsworth has also impressed with his work in other hit films like "Extraction" and "Bad
Times at the El Royale."
Like Kosinski, Hemsworth was drawn to the story of "Spiderhead" because of its themes
and the questions it raises, and he was particularly excited about playing Abnesti because, he said,
"I saw an opportunity to play a character who's neither a hero, nor a traditional villain.
There's quite a bit of complexity in Abnesti in the sense that he does believe what he's
doing is just."
"Beautiful people get away with too much.
I say that having benefited myself from time to time."
Starring as Jeff, the central subject of Abnesti's studies in the story, is Miles Teller, who
also worked with Kosinski on "Only the Brave" and "Top Gun: Maverick."
Teller relished the uniqueness of the story in "Spiderhead," saying,
"I've never done anything quite like this in tone before.
I've certainly done some things set in the science fiction realm, but the core of this
story is really about people who are carrying a lot of weight around with them.
Weight they're trying to shed.
It's a story about rehabilitation, an opportunity for transformation and rebirth."
Jurnee Smollett also stars in the film as Lizzy, a close friend to Jeff and fellow subject
of the facility.
Her journey in the story is what drew the actress to the role, as she explained,
"I remember being so incredibly moved by Lizzy and Jeff's relationship.
[...] I just loved the metaphor in their storyline.
It's also kind of dope to tell their story within the confines of this crazy, mish-mash
of a genre."
"Spiderhead" also features a completely unique look and feel that will fully immerse audiences
into the story.
The picture was filmed in Queensland, Australia and the Whitsunday Islands, and the prison
setting was meticulously designed to match the unique visions of Kosinski, whose background
in architecture informed many of his style choices.
Specifically, the Spiderhead facility is not meant to look like your usual prison in any
way, shape, or form, save for the lack of windows to the outside.
Kosinski was inspired by Brutalist architecture for the foreboding exterior of the place,
but for the inside, he charged his team with the concept of, "What would a prison look
like in Big Sur that was actually a spa?"
The staircase at the center of the Spiderhead facility is also a tribute to Brazilian architect
Oscar Niemeyer, while the prisoners' rooms are designed to look like modern Scandinavian
cabins.
Kosinski further explained of his vision,
"I didn't want to make a dark sci-fi film.
Instead, I was inspired by places like rehab facilities, where everything is very calm
and serene.
Or the feeling of being in a dentist's office, when they're playing light FM rock while you're
getting your tooth drilled out."
Kosinski's powerful vision for the film's look pays off, especially as the story moves
into progressively more unsettling territory.
Prepare to enjoy a gripping and immersive experience and some incredible creative work
when "Spiderhead" arrives on Netflix on Friday, June 17.
"Let's do this."
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