Holy Spider

Synopsis

Holy Spider is a gripping crime drama directed by Ali Abbasi, featuring a compelling performance from Zar Amir Ebrahimi. Set in the city of Mashhad, Iran, the film follows a determined female journalist who delves into the investigation of a serial killer targeting sex workers. As she navigates through a maze of societal pressures and systemic corruption, the story uncovers chilling truths about justice and morality. With its intense narrative and nuanced character portrayals, Holy Spider explores themes of violence, faith, and the quest for truth, painting a stark and thought-provoking portrait of a society grappling with dark undercurrents.

Cast

• 

  Zar Amir Ebrahimi

  Rahimi

• 

  Mehdi Bajestani

  Saeed

• Arash Ashtiani

  Sharifi

• Forouzan Jamshidnejad

  Fatima

• 

  Sina Parvaneh

  Rostami

• 

  Nima Akbarpour

  Judge

Reviews

Holy Spider has received generally positive acclaim from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 82% approval rating, highlighting its gripping narrative and strong performances, particularly from Zar Amir Ebrahimi. Critics praise it as a powerful and unsettling portrayal of real-life events that raises important social issues. Metacritic assigns the film a score of 66 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Some reviewers admire the director’s ability to balance suspense with social commentary, while others note that the film’s intense subject matter may be challenging for some viewers. IMDb users rate it 7.3 out of 10, reflecting solid audience appreciation for its storytelling and emotional depth. Overall, Holy Spider is recognized for its atmospheric direction and authentic depiction of a harrowing true crime case, though some critique centers on pacing and the film's heavy themes.

See also

Insomnia

Stroszek

The Pawnbroker

Wind