Spider (2007) User Reviews

Memorable Short Film

[MystifiedMe · 8/10 · 1 July 2007]

After watching Spider as well as another short film titled Lucky, it seems that Nash Edgerton has a slightly warped mind that relishes the bizarre unexpected plot twist. Even though the final twist in Spider is rather macabre, I also found it kind of humorous - sort of a "that's horrid but it does serve you right" reaction.

The production of Spider is very real-life and natural feeling, gritty rather than slick. The actress who plays Jill, Mirrah Foulkes, is especially good. Her reactions to Jack's 'sweeet' attempts at making up and to his dreadfully misguided joke, are most believable.

Watching Spider is like reading an imaginative short story, I hope to be able to view more offbeat and good stories by Mr. Edgerton.

Hard to ignore

[riverwildeuk · 8/10 · 23 January 2014]

In my continued attempt to avoid spoilers, I am hoping that I can do fair justice in my review of this good little short. If you have not seen it please do. For me it does not merely sit in the comedy genre but does have a gore element without the blood and guts. A plot driven film that hinges on two story twists - one too obvious while the other unexpected and funny - there is not a real story to this short. It would be fairer to say this is a sketch of shorts that pulls off a well executed plot. The performances are neither here or there and you are left to marvel at how they achieved the visual effects and applaud the filmmakers for that and of course the brilliant editing.

Fun and games

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 8/10 · 5 March 2015]

Jack(Edgerton, charming, who also directs) and Jill(Foulkes, cute) are driving, well, she is, to be more precise, and he's in the front passenger seat. She's annoyed with him – he always takes things too far. A bit of a practical joker, that one. They stop for gas, and he buys her some apology gifts… and something else.

This uses its 8 minute running time(not counting the end credits, with, it's 9) well. Everything is established, set up. We're shown with a few shots and seconds everything we need to know about these two, as individuals, together, and each decision and event builds, until we reach the hilarious major punchlines. If you want outrageous, pitch black humor, Aussie productions are definitely the way to go. Production values are solid. Nothing feels like it's on a budget. This is a sweet rom-com about a couple who can get on each other's nerves… but who do really love each other. And then that is interrupted by a sudden burst of comedy, which is all the more effective by its surrounding short.

There is some brutal, disturbing content in this. I recommend it to anyone who loves this kind of thing. 8/10

It's never too much for Jack

[Kristonkiner · 28 December 2022]

Spider, the viral short film that laid the foundations of the Jack trilogy, based on the experiences of Nash Edgerton, who plays Jack and co-writes all 3 installments with his colleague and fellow countryman David Michôd, responsible for three other gems such as Animal Kingdom, The Rover and The King.

Spider is characterized by a very naturalistic and fluid mise-en-scene, filmed by the now highly sought-after Greig Fraser. In Spider we follow the couple Jill and Jack as they drive around Sydney in a classic lemon Peugeot. Jill is played by fellow director Mirrah Foulkes, who we discovered in the aforementioned Animal Kingdom. In Spider, the protagonist couple is in the throes of an argument, where Jill's silences increase the tension. Jack awkwardly tries to patch things up with his girlfriend. We don't know the exact reason for the discord, but it doesn't seem to be the first time Jack screws up and the only thing he can think of to say is that it was a joke. Something that Jill will throw in his face, for taking things too far. Alluding to Jack's mother's foreboding advice at the beginning: "It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye". This is where Jack's inner conflict comes to the fore, where his romantic side clashes diametrically with his compulsive prankster and catalyst, increasing the suspense of the short.

The tone of the short film is absurd, tragic and humorous at the same time, without being as raunchy as Jackass. Curiously, one can identify with it, there is a very real couple fight, universal fears such as spiders and needles, which achieve a communion with the audience and not only remains in the final anecdote. The consequences of Spider's Karma, is an idea that Nash Edgerton would go on to explore in 2008's "The Square", his feature debut, written and co-starring his brother Joel.

*A more detailed review can be found on the youtube channel Kristonkino.

Spectacular

[james1410 · 10/10 · 11 October 2007]

This is an exceptional piece of film. Brilliantly crafted by Nash Edgerton, I think there is little doubt he is about to make a huge impact on the Australian film industry. This 9 minutes is high impact film making with stunning visuals, slick editing, moody cinematography, amazing production value and kick ass directing. Beyond his obvious skills behind the camera and in the editing suite, Nash plays the lead character with great skill and timing. A measured performance before the mayhem sets in. What else can one say when superlatives do not do this offering justice. I eagerly look forward to Nash's debut feature film currently in production.

Roald Dahl would be proud of this tale of the unexpected...

[the23rdjoker · 10/10 · 14 August 2011]

While this film may only be 9 minutes long, believe me when I say that in this tiny window of a running time, Nash Edgerton packs in a couple of narrative punches that are so shocking, startling, bizarre and downright macabre, that they must be seen to be believed. I would really, really, really, ridiculously like to tell you what those narrative punches are, but the less you know going into "Spider," the better. (The surprise is half of the desired effect.) What I will say in this review is pretty much what every other reviewer has and will say about this, which is basically just giving you a basic outline of what "Spider" is about...at least, to start with. (Like I said: the surprise is definitive.) The film begins in a car, and with us meeting the main characters of the film: a couple known as Jack and Jill. (This should give you an indication of how this is sort of a twisted play on the original nursery rhyme.) Jack has done something to Jill before the film's begun that has made her rather peeved with him. In a matter of a couple of lines of dialogue, we learn that Jack is rather the practical joker - the kind of prankster that goes way too far in his attempts to have a laugh. Jill, it would seem, has had enough. The strained couple are in the middle of driving to - and then arrive at - a petrol station for gas. As Jill leaves Jack to sit in the car to fill up her car, leaving him to ponder how he can make her smile for him again, Jack gets out of the car and enters the kiosk. It is here that Jack buys several items with which he hopes he can reconciliate with Jill. But little does he know the dramatic effect that one of these items in particular will soon have on both him and Jill... But I can tell you no more after that. By looking on this IMDb page for "Spider," you may be able to glean some clues as to what happens by the film's end. (The tagline alone is more important than how it might first appear...) Other than that, though, you should go into this with as little information as possible. For example, I came across this film very late last night on Channel 4, alongside another short film called "Incident By A Bank" (also recommended). I had no idea what it was about, nor knew anything about it beforehand, but this similar treatment of the short films shown late at night on Channel 4 lead me to another great short film just days before this one, called "One Minute Past Midnight" (also very highly recommended), so I gave "Spider" a shot, and it was worth it. So, if you find yourself able to watch this through whatever means you've found to be able to watch it, do so immediately...because your jaw will hit the floor and you will be positively gobsmacked...TWICE.

Hold on....this one will make your heart stop!

[planktonrules · 10/10 · 7 September 2008]

I normally don't say this, but if you watch this film, you really should not have any heart problems or be terribly squeamish. I am NOT kidding--if you are not 100% sure, then you should not watch this movie as it is probably the most heart-pounding and amazing shorts I've seen in a long time. I also was very impressed with the film--not just because it made such a very strong visceral reaction on me. The film was amazingly well-constructed and even funny, in a very, very dark and twisted way.

While I could say more or even describe the plot, I'd rather not as it would clearly spoil the film. The bottom line is that this is a great but tough to watch short and I can't wait to see more from the brilliant folks who made it. Great job!

FYI--Aside from starring in the film, directing it and co-writing it, Nash Edgerton is most widely known as, of all things, a stunt man! This guy can apparently do it all!!

Stark, Graphic Short Film

[jlanemc · 9/10 · 13 August 2009]

Nash Edgerton is to be commended for the quality of his directing as well as that of his acting. His Jack is a convincing portrayal of a young man in the process of making amends for his part in an unspecified spat between he and Jill (Mirrah Foulkes). Ms. Foulkes does an equally fine job in her role, letting herself be wooed back into the relationship via chocolates and flowers. There are humorous bit parts by the clerks in a Quick Stop, and good parts played by the EMT's. Special effects are surprisingly good for a short film on a small budget. I still haven't figured out how they managed the scene in which Jill is struck by a car as she jumps back from the spider - too realistic. The needle in Jack's eye is also guaranteed to make your toes curl in sympathetic horror. In all, a very believable vignette. I look forward to seeing more productions from Blue Tongue Films.

One of the best shorts I've ever seen

[palaesTiNA · 9/10 · 14 June 2015]

I came across the film 'Spider' last week accidentally while I was surfing on http://www.vice.com and I can only recommend it to anybody out there. It's clever and funny. Okay, I wouldn't classify it as a comedy, rather a drama, but definitely nobody would deny that there are some components of black humour in it - which I must confess I generally don't really like in movies (at least in those with the normal length) - but in short-films, the situation is completely different. Regarding the fact that short-films rarely last longer than 15 minutes (this one even is <10min) it is no easy task for the producers to create a plot lines that stick in people's minds even when the movie itself has long ended -- I guess, that's why many short-film makers decide to set their focus more on things like methaphorical/artistical language or sounds than on captivating stories.'Spider', in contrary, has taken this task & successfully coped with it. The story focuses on a (remarkable authentic;) young couple, going through a (merely small) relationship crisis during a car ride. When the boy finally decides to implement his (stupid?) plans to reconcile with his spouse, things inevitably start to take its course.... Including some (black-, but nevertheless) humorous scenes, the movie also offers an intelligence plot twist (which I think is obligatory for a good movie) & two young and talented actors - but the best is still the stunning last scene, which forces you to still gaze at your screen in shocking amazement even though the movie's already over and the closing credits are rushing (which are, besides, accompanied by a very nice soundtrack). Altogether, 'Spider' is definitely worth watching. You think, you see the climax already coming from far away? -->Maybe you got to learn, that every now and then, destiny might be more than a nasty bitch:)

"It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye." -Mum

Just stop reading...

[BeautifulDisaster5287 · 8/10 · 29 December 2011]

AND WATCH the film before you spoil anymore for yourself! You're welcome =)

Now can I just say how that was the most awesome thing I've seen in awhile? I went into it knowing nothing and at the end was feeling some weird blend of shock/laughter for that crazy ending. 10 points to Nash Edgerton for making a 9 minute short that has more feeling in it (and feelings that come out of watching it) than some recent 90 minute-ers I've seen....Bravo.

And P.S. Spiders are creeeepppppyyyyy, so don't put fake ones around in the car for some gal to find...and freak out...and get into a situation because of. Kthx.

the worst short I've never seen

[pietrovega · 1/10 · 8 February 2008]

Really awful short, a stupid no-sense joke without any human sensibility. Laughing boisterously about a young woman killed in so stupid way in a car accident caused by stupidity is the worst signal of degeneration in artistic conception I've never seen. The very realistic "mise-en-scene" make this short film astonishing but, also for this, much more cynic and without any dramatic aim, any view of life, any pity, nothing of nothing. Only the empty eye of a shark. A wily accomplisher of film tricks without any interest in narrating something but only in sadistic and inhuman laughter. Is really so funny to transform an argument between two lovers in a road tragedy where the young woman is brutally run over by a car? Why this? Where's the interest? Where's the sense? The interpretation of a paradox, or a wise, clever tale of absurdity of life? I see only the shocking death of a poor woman. And the situation that generate everything empty and only mechanic. A cold joke for bulimic you tube users. An announcement of Apocalypse.

Gee whiz, didn't anybody else read "Charlotte's Web" as a kid?

[BigBabe0 · 26 December 2008]

I was just wondering why so many people seem to be afraid of spiders. What I most admire about them is their approach to life: set up shop somewhere and then just wait for something to happen along. As to their dietary regimen: okay, they eat bugs because bugs are available. Not too many pizzas come flying along, I would imagine.

Anyway, it almost takes longer to describe the plot of this short film than it does to watch it. "Jack" and "Jill" (hey, cute) are driving along in Australia (I still can't get used to seeing the steering wheel on the wrong side). She's mad at him for some reason. They stop at a gas station (run by guys from India, of course) where he buys her some presents. Back in the car, he feeds her some chocolates and just as she's starting to like him again, a rubber spider freaks her out. She pulls over, gets out, then hops backwards and is promptly hit by a mini-van. (It seems to be a trend in movies nowadays to depict what's within the screen as a kind of two-dimensional universe, at least in scenes like this, so the oncoming vehicle apparently arrives out of nowhere and can't be seen at a distance by the person about to get hit.) Paramedics then arrive; one of them prepares a hypodermic needle for Jill, sees the fake spider, also freaks out and our Jack winds up with the needle in his eyeball. "Oooh, I HATE when that happens!" "I know what you mean...." Like many people I guess, I'll watch pretty much anything if I know in advance it's only ten minutes long, and I didn't regard this as a waste of my ten minutes. Nice quick dose of sardonic humor from Down Under, what's not to like? As to what it's "for"? Hey, that's easy: it's for... about ten minutes.

Realistic characters makes the big reveal all the more shocking.

[markh110 · 8/10 · 9 June 2011]

"It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye." So teases (and quite literally foreshadows) the title card of the nine-minute vignette that is Spider, the brainchild of Blue-Tongue Films founder Nash Edgerton. This is the 8th film with Edgerton helming the director's chair, and his evolution as a visionary is astoundingly clear. Over a decade after his first effort, Loaded, comes a gritty, high-octane short film that is beautifully constructed in every way. The sharp editing, gorgeous visuals, and well-executed special effects all combine together to form something of a hallmark in the drought-ridden Australian film industry.

We are introduced in medias res of an argument between Jack and Jill. When they pull their car over for petrol, Jack attempts to mend things with Jill whist immaturely deciding to prank her with a rubber spider. What ensures are consequences far beyond any intentions Jack had.

Edgerton and co-star Mirrah Foulkes play the lead roles to the T, injecting a realism and sincerity into their performances that make the giant twist all the more shocking. The macabre, yet bitterly funny surprise may not be to everyone's tastes, but it is certainly something that will stick in your mind.

Awesome short film!

[nikkic-58210 · 10/10 · 29 March 2016]

I was recommended to watch this film by my teacher at university (I'm currently studying a bachelor of film & TV production) and I am so glad he recommended it to me. After watching it, I couldn't help myself- I has to write some sort of review about it! This film, is absolutely brilliant. I will try my best to not release any spoilers for those of you who haven't seen it, however if you still haven't seen this film- Please do! Personally, I have watched it twice in a row now.Written and directed by Australian stuntman and Director, Nash Edgerton, in my opinion Spider has definitely made it to the "list" of some of the best short films to come out of Australia. It has a very simple yet intriguing storyline with a very bizarre and unexpected plot twist…. In fact, 2 plot twists. There are some elements of gore within the film however I found it to be quite humorous at the same time, it was a perfect combination of comedy, drama and gore. Edgerton not only did a phenomenal job at directing this film, but he can also be seen within the film acting as the lead male, Jack. Jack constantly keeps trying to make up to his girlfriend Jill (played by Mirrah Foulkes) for accidentally taking a joke too far. Nash slid into this character perfectly and made his acting very believable. Mirrah was exceptional in her role as Jill, her reactions to Jack's poor attempts to make up to her throughout the film are honest and truthful. Both actors were phenomenally casted and did exceptionally well within their roles. As mentioned earlier, I really like how it was directed and also how the storyline was structured. There are some nice close up, medium and long shots used throughout the film to establish the scene and also get the character's point of view and emotions. It has some sensational visuals/special effects (some which left me wondering- how did they even do that?!), a high production value overall and obviously some very clever directing. Even the lighting suited the dark, gloomy nature of the film. From the start it was obvious what the story was about however we weren't aware of where it was all heading, it kept us guessing and wanting to know what happens next. Both characters are completely opposite to each other which created some nice dramatic conflict throughout the piece. Overall I'd give this short film a rating of 10/10. After watching this masterpiece, I am now so excited to see what else Nash Edgerton comes up with… He is no doubt about to become something huge in the film and TV industry one day and I am definitely going to keep an eye out for his work in the future! I highly recommend this film if you like dark comedies…. And when I say Dark, I mean DARK. Be prepared for the unexpected, after all… "it's all fun and games until someone loses an eye"- Mum.

Where we learn about dreaded, and dreadful, consequences.

[RJBurke1942 · 9/10 · 5 October 2018]

Like most movie-goers, I've seen Joel Edgerton in many movies but not so with Nash Edgerton, his brother. So, it's refreshing to see Nash again, even in such a short story.

And what a story! Young man and young woman (Jack and Jill - what a giggle), having had a tiff of some sort, are driving around Sydney suburbs. Jack's trying to make amends; Jill's ignoring him. He turns on the music; she kills it. She's driving, he's trying to regain her interest - and perhaps trust - again. The traffic is quick and thick. She's keeping her eyes on the road. Small talk from him gets nowhere....

Got the picture?

Suddenly, Jill rolls the car into a gas station. She's out quickly and starts pumping. Jack gets out, enters the nearby shop, up to the counter and starts picking out goodies for his girl, the usual stuff: flowers, card, chocolate - and one item you don't quite get a good look at, except it's black.

Jack's back in the car first. He places flowers all over the seat and dashboard, hangs up the card on the rear-view, places some yummy chocs near the steering wheel, and puts something up behind the sun-visor. Jill gets in, throws flowers out the window, gets the car going, joins the traffic. She ignores him and the chocolates; and drives. He puts another chocolate on the dashboard. And another. She snatches one up. He holds one in his fingers, extends it. Now, a ghost of a smile which turns to a grin, as she tries to get it from his fingers. She laughs aloud; he joins in.

And then ... Jill somehow brushes against the sun-visor, the black thing - we see a large rubber fake spider - falls onto her lap, she screams, barely misses a head-on collision with another car, screeches to a stop, scrambles out as Jack's desperately trying to soothe her fears, she backs away and....

Then Jack learns the price we all can pay when self-inflicted, unintended consequences fall into place. The dramatic irony is exquisite and concurrently comedic. I'm sure, were he alive today, Honoré de Balzac would approve. Regardless of what you think, I recommend you see this little beauty to find out what really happens.

I never accord a ten out of ten for anything, although I was tempted; but this is definitely nine. And I recommend it for all (except young kiddies, of course).

5th October, 2018

Surprise element does not make a great film

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 27 September 2013]

This slightly-under-10-minute short film is directed by, written by and starring Nash Edgerton shortly before he became Bob Dylan's regular music video director. The female lead is Mirrah Foulkes and Edgerton's slightly younger and probably more famous brother Joel has a small part in it as well.

We see a couple in a car and seemingly he did something before the film started to upset his girlfriend, as it's easy to see from her reactions (or lack thereof) and face expressions that she's angry at her man. The main content of the film is how he uses different ways to get on her good side again. Finally he managed thanks to a bouquet of flowers and chocolate. Had the film ended at this point, it could actually have been a pretty decent, though not too interesting, feel-good movie. However, it does not and what happens next is pretty much what you'd expect to happen from a stunt man directing a film (and that's not meant in a derogatory fashion). Actually, I was really surprised the girl survived it cause judging from the impact of raw force she looked like a goner. Unfortunately, I don't think the final act managed to raise the film quality-wise. It just added shock value and surprise the film could have done without and as a whole, I would not really recommend the film because of it. The moment she criticizes herself for giving in over some chocolate, I was really close to giving it a thumbs-up though.

*Avoidable* Who said it is great??

[bobishmp-843-317319 · 4/10 · 4 October 2014]

I don't know why this short getting too much positive reviews! Short films are intended to create a sea of ideas within a short period of time. I saw some terrific short films in recent times such as Room 8 , La culpa , with Mind blowing twists.

But spider got a wafer thin and uninteresting plot.It might be more pleasing if its trimmed into a shorter length.With a running time of 9 minutes it create extreme lagging.

So, if you are looking for an interesting short with a good plot twist its not your cup of tea.You had better search Google for any other one.

Final verdict: Poor short film with an uninteresting plot.

How did they do that?

[jfgibson73 · 5/10 · 25 May 2010]

I came to the IMDb page for Spider to see if there was any information about how the special effects were done. For me, this short film was all about one shot.

SPOILERS: While stopping for gas, a man buys several gifts to try to pacify an angry girlfriend. She eventually starts to give in, until the rubber spider hidden in the sun visor falls out and scares her. She stops and gets out of the car, and when the man tosses the rubber spider over to show her it's not real, she jumps back further into the road. In one continuous shot, we see her get hit by another car, which skids to a halt, still in frame, with the driver then getting out. The woman also remains on camera from the moment she gets out of her own car, until the time she is lying on the road. So how did they do that? It must have been computerized somehow, but there aren't any visual clues. It looks seamless.

The ending of the short involves a paramedic getting ready to administer a shot and then getting startled by the rubber spider. He jerks back, and the needle get's stuck in the boyfriend's eye. If that sounds like your brand of twisted humor, than you can only hope the filmmaker, who doubles as a stunt man, continues to make shorts or graduates to feature films. Another short film of his, Lucky, has a similar irony to its twist ending. I guess that makes him a cross between Zoe Bell and M. Night Shamalayan.

wrong joke

[Kirpianuscus · 3 January 2020]

Its realism represents the main virtue of this well crafted story about a second chance, a not inspired gift, terrible consequences of something who seems, first, an innocent joke and the last act or simple punishment of it. A film seductive more for its architecture than for story itself.