• Latest
  • Trending
Cobweb Review

Cobweb Review: Artistic Vision Meets Reality

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Season 1 Review

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Season 1 Review: When Char Wins, A New Story Begins

Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter Review

Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter Review: Deconstructing a Culinary Enigma

Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review

Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review: Unforgiving, Unforgettable Horror

The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox Season 1 Review

The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox Season 1 Review: More Than Just the Score?

Home Sweet Home: Rebirth Review

Home Sweet Home: Rebirth Review: Energetic Spectacle, Muddled Mythology

Lilo & Stitch

Lilo & Stitch Scores $63 M Second Weekend, Stays No. 1

8 hours ago
Dexter: Resurrection

Star-Studded Serial-Killer Circle Haunts Trailer for Dexter: Resurrection

8 hours ago
Squid Game

Netflix Sets 27 June Debut for Final Squid Game Run

8 hours ago
One Piece

Netflix Reveals Chopper, Sets One Piece Season 2 for 2026

8 hours ago
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Netflix Dates Wake Up Dead Man for 12 December Release

9 hours ago
Gen V

Prime Video Sets 17 Sept. Launch for Gen V Season 2

9 hours ago
Happy Gilmore 2

Sandler Swings Again: Happy Gilmore 2 Trailer Sets July 25 Tee Time

9 hours ago
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Gazettely Review Guidelines
Sunday, June 1, 2025
GAZETTELY
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Lilo & Stitch

    Lilo & Stitch Scores $63 M Second Weekend, Stays No. 1

    Dexter: Resurrection

    Star-Studded Serial-Killer Circle Haunts Trailer for Dexter: Resurrection

    Squid Game

    Netflix Sets 27 June Debut for Final Squid Game Run

    One Piece

    Netflix Reveals Chopper, Sets One Piece Season 2 for 2026

    Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

    Netflix Dates Wake Up Dead Man for 12 December Release

    Gen V

    Prime Video Sets 17 Sept. Launch for Gen V Season 2

    Happy Gilmore 2

    Sandler Swings Again: Happy Gilmore 2 Trailer Sets July 25 Tee Time

    Mark Hamill

    Mark Hamill Shuts Door on Luke Skywalker Return

    stranger things season 5

    Final Season of Stranger Things Locks In Holiday Premiere Schedule

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Season 1 Review

    Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Season 1 Review: When Char Wins, A New Story Begins

    Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter Review

    Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter Review: Deconstructing a Culinary Enigma

    The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox Season 1 Review

    The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox Season 1 Review: More Than Just the Score?

    Home Sweet Home: Rebirth Review

    Home Sweet Home: Rebirth Review: Energetic Spectacle, Muddled Mythology

    Demise Review

    Demise Review: Vengeance Served with a Side of Camp

    Seneca Review

    Seneca Review: A Philosopher’s Garish Final Act

    Yes, Chef! Season 1 Review

    Yes, Chef! Season 1 Review: The Bitter Aftertaste of a Missed Opportunity

    Not Just a Goof Review

    Not Just a Goof Review: A Father, A Son, and A Legacy Reconsidered

    Rumpelstiltskin Review

    Rumpelstiltskin Review: Spinning Straw into… Something

  • Game Reviews
    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review: Unforgiving, Unforgettable Horror

    Cubic Odyssey Review

    Cubic Odyssey Review: An Ambitious Architect’s Space Dream

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review: A Song of Systems and Sorrows

    To a T Review

    To a T Review: Finding Perfection in an Imperfect Shape

    Spray Paint Simulator Review

    Spray Paint Simulator Review: Coating the Town, One Careful Layer at a Time

    F1 25 Review

    F1 25 Review: A Stunning Drive, If You Have the Right Rig

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review: Whip-Smart Mechanics and Pixel Charm

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review: Condensed Chaos for Tarnished Veterans

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review: An Anime Perspective on a Rogue-like Path

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Lilo & Stitch

    Lilo & Stitch Scores $63 M Second Weekend, Stays No. 1

    Dexter: Resurrection

    Star-Studded Serial-Killer Circle Haunts Trailer for Dexter: Resurrection

    Squid Game

    Netflix Sets 27 June Debut for Final Squid Game Run

    One Piece

    Netflix Reveals Chopper, Sets One Piece Season 2 for 2026

    Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

    Netflix Dates Wake Up Dead Man for 12 December Release

    Gen V

    Prime Video Sets 17 Sept. Launch for Gen V Season 2

    Happy Gilmore 2

    Sandler Swings Again: Happy Gilmore 2 Trailer Sets July 25 Tee Time

    Mark Hamill

    Mark Hamill Shuts Door on Luke Skywalker Return

    stranger things season 5

    Final Season of Stranger Things Locks In Holiday Premiere Schedule

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Season 1 Review

    Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Season 1 Review: When Char Wins, A New Story Begins

    Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter Review

    Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter Review: Deconstructing a Culinary Enigma

    The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox Season 1 Review

    The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox Season 1 Review: More Than Just the Score?

    Home Sweet Home: Rebirth Review

    Home Sweet Home: Rebirth Review: Energetic Spectacle, Muddled Mythology

    Demise Review

    Demise Review: Vengeance Served with a Side of Camp

    Seneca Review

    Seneca Review: A Philosopher’s Garish Final Act

    Yes, Chef! Season 1 Review

    Yes, Chef! Season 1 Review: The Bitter Aftertaste of a Missed Opportunity

    Not Just a Goof Review

    Not Just a Goof Review: A Father, A Son, and A Legacy Reconsidered

    Rumpelstiltskin Review

    Rumpelstiltskin Review: Spinning Straw into… Something

  • Game Reviews
    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review: Unforgiving, Unforgettable Horror

    Cubic Odyssey Review

    Cubic Odyssey Review: An Ambitious Architect’s Space Dream

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review: A Song of Systems and Sorrows

    To a T Review

    To a T Review: Finding Perfection in an Imperfect Shape

    Spray Paint Simulator Review

    Spray Paint Simulator Review: Coating the Town, One Careful Layer at a Time

    F1 25 Review

    F1 25 Review: A Stunning Drive, If You Have the Right Rig

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review: Whip-Smart Mechanics and Pixel Charm

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review: Condensed Chaos for Tarnished Veterans

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review: An Anime Perspective on a Rogue-like Path

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
GAZETTELY
No Result
View All Result
Cobweb Review

Helldivers 2 Demand Continues Swamping Servers Despite Capacity Expansion

Apple's Vision Pro Headset Has Room to Grow Before Reaching Its Full Potential

Home Entertainment Movies

Cobweb Review: Artistic Vision Meets Reality

Showbiz Satire or Sentimental Ode? Cobweb's Uneasy Tonal Balance

Naser Nahandian by Naser Nahandian
1 year ago
in Entertainment, Movies, Reviews
Reading Time: 6 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on WhatsAppShare on Telegram

You may know Korean director Kim Jee-woon from his stylish thrillers like A Tale of Two Sisters or his slam-bang Western homage The Good, the Bad, and the Weird. With Cobweb, Kim tries his hand at a “movie within a movie”—films that peek behind the curtain to show the madness and mayhem of moviemaking.

We follow Director Kim (played by Parasite star Song Kang-ho) in 1970s South Korea as he attempts to reshoot the ending for his latest picture, the ominously-titled Cobweb. Convinced the new finale will transform Cobweb from run-of-the-mill thriller into a bonafide masterpiece, Director Kim rallies his cast and crew for two more days of filming under the ever-watchful eye of government censors.

Of course, nothing goes smoothly. Egos clash, romances curdle, and Equipment breaks down as Kim fights to wrangle his artistic vision into reality. Part showbiz satire, part ode to directorial obsession, Cobweb lets Kim flex his filmmaking chops while wearing his cinephile heart on his sleeve. Time will tell if Kim’s dice roll pays off, but his love for the art form sparkles through either way.

Masterpiece or a Glorified B-Movie? The Madness Behind the Camera

Cobweb takes us back to 1970s South Korea, when filmmakers worked under the watchful eye of government censors even as they tried achieving their artistic visions. Director Kim believes his latest picture, a soapy thriller called Cobweb, could be his masterpiece—if only he could nail the ending.

Cobweb the movie follows a love triangle between a factory owner (Oh Jung-se), his wife, and a young worker (Jung Soo-jung). After the shoot wraps, Director Kim has a breakthrough and realizes only reshoots of the finale will elevate Cobweb to greatness. But the censorship board already approved the existing cut. Undeterred, Kim recruits his weary cast and crew, who begrudgingly sign on, unaware of the behind-the-scenes drama bubbling beneath the surface.

Leading man Ho-se juggles his affair with the young starlet Yu-rim, who hides a pregnancy that threatens to derail the reshoot. Studio head Baek aims to honor her late brother’s legacy, even as her niece Mido obsessively backs Kim’s artistic gambit. Throughout the controlled chaos, Kim battles clashing egos, failing equipment, and the ever-present censors to stage his grand artistic statement before the sets are struck in two days. The question lingers—is Cobweb a new masterpiece, or just another B-movie in disguise?

A Love Letter to Moviemaking—Warts and All

Underneath the winking humor and showbiz satire, Cobweb harbors a deep affection for the art and agony of filmmaking. Kim lovingly skewers the dueling egos and insecurities that drive the process, even as he champions the creative fire that makes it all worthwhile.

Cobweb Review

The fictional film-within-a-film device allows Kim to indulge his stylistic flair. Cinematographer Kim Ji-yong shoots the fake Cobweb thriller in moody black-and-white, evoking classic Hollywood noir. Scenes burst with German Expressionist shadows, canted angles, and winding staircases shrouded in spider webs. The visual contrast heightens when we return to the “real” 1970s world awash in faded, nostalgic colors. Kim uses this deft sleight of hand to blur fantasy and reality as Director Kim descends into artistic madness.

But the real soul of Cobweb lives in Director Kim’s quixotic quest to cheat mediocrity and fashion a masterpiece—whatever the cost. Kim sympathizes with that endless striving, often at the mercy of studios, stars, and censorship boards. In scene after scene, Director Kim fights for creative control to finally share his uncompromised vision. While the results may prove messy or ridiculous, Kim views that trial-by-fire process as a badge of honor—the necessary toll to produce real art.

In the end, Cobweb stands as Kim’s own masterpiece about the struggle for masters. A love letter to moviemaking penned in pencil and splattered with plenty of eraser smudges. Kim embraces his characters, flaws and all, celebrating the collective madness required when trying to catch lightning in a bottle. It may not always be pretty, but that shared dream of transcendence makes it all worthwhile.

“Dive into the colorful world of Rudy Mancuso in our Musica review, where synesthesia meets musical romance. Discover how Mancuso’s debut feature film weaves a narrative that’s as much about the sounds of life as it is about love, ambition, and cultural identity. A must-watch for fans of innovative storytelling and heartfelt music.”

A Cast Firing on All Comedic Cylinders

While the plot careens from melodramatic to absurd, Cobweb finds its anchor in Kim’s talented ensemble. Song Kang-ho brings infectious conviction as Director Kim, emitting both childlike wonder and tunnel-vision obsession. We believe that Kim believes his ragged opus could genuinely be a game-changing masterwork, which grounds the comedic payoff.

Cobweb Review

Newcomer Krystal Jung also delights as the ingenue actress Yu-rim, whose rapid rise to fame fuels her diva antics on set. Jung nails the preening vanity and hormonal mood swings with aplomb. As aspiring filmmaker Mido, Jeon Yeo-been matches Song beat-for-beat as Kim’s wide-eyed sidekick devoted to his auteur vision. Yeo-been’s sincere intensity proves the perfect foil for Song’s controlled chaos.

The supporting players also shine when Kim aims for laughs over substance. Dramatic confrontations between philandering actors and disapproving execs turn splendidly silly through shrill line readings and epic scenery chewing. An awkward scene with Mido unsuccessfully standing in for an absent actor wrings plenty of cringe humor but falls strangely flat given the surrounding outrageousness.

While dramatic elements fizzle, the cast clicks during comedic moments. Jung’s petulant starlet, in particular, seems ripe for a spinoff expanding on her diva exploits. But the performers can only elevate the thin material so far. In the end, the fate of Cobweb rests squarely on Director Kim’s shoulders. Luckily, Song brings enough talent and gravitas to carry the entire production on his own.

An Overstuffed Tonal Misfire

For all its comedic charms, Cobweb buckles under its own lofty ambitions. At 135 minutes, Kim’s sprawling character study overstays its welcome trying to juggle too many plot threads and tonal shifts. The chaotic structure mirrors the filmmaking madness on display, but leaves the audience exhausted.

Cobweb Review

Kim struggles to strike a balance between satirical farce and thoughtful drama. Broad comedic strokes often undercut the story’s emotional core. Big reveals that should land as poignant feel rushed as Kim races to the next punchline. Other critical themes around artistic integrity get trampled by all the winking irony.

It doesn’t help that supporting characters carry full subplots that lead nowhere. The details of the central mystery surrounding Director Kim’s mentor remain murky even after the bloated resolution. Perhaps no surprise that the fictional film-within-a-film seems far more compelling than the sloppy machinations behind the scenes.

This makes for quite the disconnect with Kim’s early masterworks known for their razor focus and technical wizardry. Cobweb lacks the intricate elegance of The Age of Shadows or the genre bending thrills of I Saw The Devil. Instead, Kim gets lost down the meta rabbit hole, leaving characters and audience alike waiting for his grand artistic statement to materialize.

Cobweb arguably works best when mining laughs from its goofy cast and absurdist premise. But as an incisive showbiz satire or poignant drama, Kim’s reach far exceeds his grasp this go around. Less masterpiece than meandering misfire.

“Explore a haunting, gothic world in our Saviorless review, where you navigate through chilling challenges and unravel a dark, twisting narrative in this standout indie game.”

Imperfect But Passionate Ode to Moviemaking

At the end of the day, Cobweb plays like an unfortunate consolation prize for a tantalizing unseen masterpiece. We only glimpse fragments of Kim’s lush fictional thriller, while the making-of pseudo-dramedy consistently bites off more than it can chew.

Cobweb Review

Yet there is something oddly endearing about Kim’s sloppy ambition. What Cobweb lacks in tonal clarity, it makes up for in gusto. Kim barrels forward with such infectious zeal that it’s easy to root for him to pull it all together, even as the picture threatens to unspool.

The strengths lie in the margins—Song Kang-ho’s dedicated performance, Krystal Jung’s scene-stealing histrionics, cinematographer Kim Ji-yong’s visual razzle dazzle. For fans of the players or builders involved, Cobweb offers enough flickers of brilliance to warrant a look.

But those seeking the polished perfection of Kim’s earlier work may leave feeling unfulfilled. Cobweb stands as his most unabashedly personal effort, a movie about passion projects gone awry. One senses Kim sees a bit of himself in Director Kim’s relentless crusade. In the end, both are striving—and stumbling—in service of their art. There may not be a masterpiece on display, but Cobweb overflows with love for the trying.

The Review

Cobweb

6 Score

Cobweb aims admirably high but loses itself in the tangled web of its own lofty ambitions. Too many plot threads and tonal shifts obstruct the view of the artful genre film seemingly lurking underneath. Still, Kim’s infectious passion proves oddly endearing.

PROS

  • Strong central performance by Song Kang-ho
  • Impressive visual style and cinematography
  • Effective comedy and satire of film industry
  • Captures madness and passion behind the scenes
  • Ambitious themes about artistic integrity

CONS

  • Uneven tone and messy plot
  • Overlong runtime that drags
  • Underdeveloped characters and relationships
  • Lacks narrative focus and coherence
  • Falls short of potential

Review Breakdown

  • Overall 0
Tags: Antony StarrChris Thomas DevlinCleopatra ColemanCobwebFeaturedHorrorLizzy CaplanMysterySamuel BodinThrillerWoody Norman
Previous Post

Helldivers 2 Demand Continues Swamping Servers Despite Capacity Expansion

Next Post

Apple’s Vision Pro Headset Has Room to Grow Before Reaching Its Full Potential

Try AI Movie Recommender

Gazettely AI Movie Recommender

This Week's Top Reads

  • The Librarians: The Next Chapter

    The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 1 Review – Bridging Eras with Spellbinding Charm

    26 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Mountainhead Review: Deepfakes and Deep Trouble

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Boglands Review: Shadows and Whispers in the Irish Mist

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Death Valley Review: A Witty Welsh Wander into Cosy Crime

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Nine Puzzles Season 1 Review: Puzzle Pieces, Pain, and Police Procedurals

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Better Sister Season 1 Review: Not Quite a Killer Thriller

    8 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • MobLand Season 1 Review: Family Ties and Underworld Intrigues

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Must Read Articles

Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review
Reviews Games

Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review: A Song of Systems and Sorrows

1 day ago
Stick Season 1 Review
TV Shows

Stick Season 1 Review: Owen Wilson Drives a Heartfelt, Flawed Dramedy

1 day ago
Destination X Review
Entertainment

Destination X Review: A Game of Veiled Realities

2 days ago
Earnhardt Review
Entertainment

Earnhardt Review: The Anatomy of a NASCAR Titan

2 days ago
The Ritual Review
Entertainment

The Ritual Review: An Unsettled Echo in a Somber Chamber

3 days ago
Loading poll ...
Coming Soon
Who is the best director in the horror thriller genre?

Gazettely is your go-to destination for all things gaming, movies, and TV. With fresh reviews, trending articles, and editor picks, we help you stay informed and entertained.

© 2021-2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

What’s Inside

  • Movie & TV Reviews
  • Game Reviews
  • Featured Articles
  • Latest News
  • Editorial Picks

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About US
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Review Guidelines

Follow Us

Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movies
  • Entertainment News
  • Movie and TV Reviews
  • TV Shows
  • Game News
  • Game Reviews
  • Contact Us

© 2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

Go to mobile version