Diana Tuova Loud and Clear Reviews Nov 12, 2024 4/5

Cronenberg’s controlled direction and Fiennes’s mesmerizing performance make Spider a riveting portrayal of one fractured mind haunted by a painful past.

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Joe Lipsett Anatomy of a Scream Podcast Network Nov 7, 2024

A film built around a predictable twist that Cronenberg seems ill-suited for. Fiennes delivers a decent performance, but most of the present-day scenes feel inconsequential compared to the past. Richardson's dual roles are the film's greatest asset

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Bill Bria Vague Visages Jun 15, 2023

Cronenberg’s more internalized era doesn’t skimp on the devastating effects of self-destruction — in fact, it arguably finds them even more pronounced.

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Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Dec 23, 2022 3/4

Fiennes delivers an extraordinary performance.

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Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault Sep 17, 2022 A

Cronenberg’s most delicately poetic work yet.

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Felicia Feaster Creative Loafing Feb 4, 2020

Cronenberg's thoroughly creepy and hypnotic film often has the texture of damp wool, his evocation of claustrophobic brooding so intense you can nearly smell the mildew.

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Steve Erickson Nashville Scene Nov 10, 2018

Compared to his previous literary adaptations Dead Ringers and Naked Lunch, however, Spider has little bite.

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PJ Nabarro Patrick Nabarro Nov 10, 2018 4/5

An engrossing work by Cronenberg, and you have to admire his steadfastness and sense of austerity in committing to such a quiet, pungent story on the legacy of mental trauma.

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Barbara Ellen The Times (UK) Jan 3, 2018

The film's slow, plodding pace relies too much on strong performances and grubby splashes of "atmosphere" rather than genuine emotion and plot.

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Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Dec 25, 2012 A-

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Jennie Kermode Eye for Film Dec 7, 2007 4/5

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Jason Gorber Film Scouts Jun 21, 2007 A-

Spider deserves much more than it'll probably get, it's a fine and enjoyable film from a cinematic master.

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Ethan Alter NYC Film Critic Mar 5, 2005 3/5

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Jeffrey Overstreet JeffreyOverstreet.com (Ghost.io) Jan 15, 2005 B-

... the film's slow, toilsome journey does not lead to any particularly shocking or interesting revelations.

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Jordan Hiller Bangitout.com Dec 6, 2004 3

What Cronenberg achieves ultimately in his latest mind bender is the full-scale distraction of his audience.

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Jay Antani Los Angeles Alternative Sep 30, 2004 3.5/5

Cronenberg pieces together a compelling portrait of madness, but one which lacks the poignancy to be a rich, moving character study.

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Mark Sells Oregon Herald Aug 13, 2004 2.5/5

Fails to connect with its audience and concludes in a contradictory and jumbled fashion.

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