Cobweb, released in Germany as Knock Knock Knock, builds horror around a child hearing something disturbing inside his home. Eight-year-old Peter's fears lead towards a family secret, with the uncertainty giving familiar genre elements an effective atmosphere.
Woody Norman makes Peter's fear and courage convincing. His performance has emotional depth without losing the child's vulnerability. Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr add a strong, troubling dynamic as parents whose relationship with their son conceals more than it first reveals.
Samuel Bodin brings the ability to create oppressive atmosphere from Marianne into his feature debut. The direction gives the house a dense sense of unease, while Chris Thomas Devlin's script combines mystery with more immediate shocks.
The camera, editing and music strengthen the tension. Technical details work together to sustain the unsettling mood, supporting the performances rather than becoming separate attractions. The characters remain important within the visual construction.
The film draws on recognisable horror traditions, including echoes of Halloween. Some developments are predictable, and the narrative has smaller weaknesses. The atmosphere and character work nevertheless give the familiar material enough force to remain involving.
Cobweb is a tense, unsettling addition to the genre, particularly for horror viewers who value a strong cast and an oppressive setting. Bodin's direction and Norman's performance make the central fear effective. The film does not escape every familiar turn, but it handles its strongest elements with conviction.
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