Spider Baby
Directed by Jack Hill
In this twisted cult horror-comedy, deranged siblings torment unfortunate visitors. Elizabeth, Virginia and Ralph all suffer from Merrye's Syndrome, which causes them to regress to a state of "pre-human savagery and cannibalism." Normally, they're kept in line by their chauffeur (Wolf Man Lon Chaney, Jr.), but when he steps out, things turn terrifying. Though it only became a cult favorite long after its release, SPIDER BABY's gruesome depiction of a fearsome family anticipated THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, THE BROOD, BLOODY BIRTHDAY and other killer kid hits.
In this twisted cult horror-comedy, deranged siblings torment unfortunate visitors.
Cast: Lon Chaney Jr, Carol Ohmart, Quinn K. Redeker
Member Reviews
This film is well put together with good acting and sound track. I liked the overall aesthetic of the film which has a concept kind of like Adams Family in a way. Within the story the characters where non-judgemental towards the disabled characters which was nice to see especially for its time. Unfortunately though the film as a whole does come across as ableist. I recognise this film was made a long time ago but that shouldn't justify it when watching it today. If the characters who have Merrye Syndrome in the film just happened to have bad intentions then that would be okay, but instead the way the characters are portrayed along with the storyline - it implies that the syndrome itself makes the characters a bad and scary person. Even though the syndrome isn't a real one, the story pushes the idea that anyone with this syndrome and anyone like them should not exist for the safety of others, resulting in the demonisation of intellectual disabilities in general. I am not saying to not watch or enjoy this film, but I would encourage anyone who does watch this to recognise the ablism throughout. Minus the ableist undertones, the film making deserves four skulls but I have rated in down a skull for the reasons stated above.
Not exactly a masterpiece, but surprisingly sympathetic towards the disabled for a film of its vintage (mind you, "Freaks" came out a whole 30 years prior). Alternates between fun and sad. Lon Chaney is brilliant, gives his all to this late-career performance.
A very pleasant surprise of a film. Some good creepy imagery, genuine tension as well as memorable performances from the cast
I cant say I like spiders but I liked this, propa good bug fun! -Dangerous Dave
I picked this to watch because of the weird title but found it to be an enjoyable film that still holds up well today