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Holy Spider

2022 · Movie · NR · 118 min · ★ 7.3 · 74% critics

ThrillerDramaCrime

A journalist travels to the Iranian holy city of Mashhad to investigate serial killings of sex workers by a self-described “Spider Killer.” As the investigation unfolds, the story turns into a grim look at religion, society, and the struggle to hold civic justice accountable.

Also known as Les nuits de Mashhad

IMDb

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2 hours to watch.

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Details
Original title
عنکبوت مقدس
Years
2022
Release date
2022-07-13
Language
FA
Rated
NR
Runtime
118 min
Critic score
74/100
TMDB rating
7.3/10 (512 votes)
Box office
$1,000,915
About

If you want a hard-hitting crime story with societal and religious tension, Holy Spider may land for you; Not for you if intense, misogyny-centered violence and a heavy, reflective tone are hard to watch, especially if you prefer lighter thrillers like Trapped or The Traitor.

Pros: human-focused thriller; raw atmosphere; unsettling social critique | Cons: can feel confusing; meanders midsection; disturbing subject matter

Themes

  • journalist
  • prostitute
  • investigation
  • based on true story
  • serial killer
  • religion
  • iran

Awards & recognition

  • Danish Writers Guild Best Screenplay Award · 2023
  • Robert Award — Best Production Design · 2023
  • Robert Award — Best Cinematography · 2023
  • Robert Award — Best Actor in a Supporting Role · 2023
  • Robert Award — Best Sound Design · 2023
Show all 17 awards →
  • Robert Award — Best Director · 2023
  • Robert Award — Best Score · 2023
  • Robert Award — Best Actress in a Leading Role · 2023
  • Robert Award — Best Danish Film · 2023
  • Robert Award — Best Visual Effects · 2023
  • Robert Award — Best Editing · 2023
  • Robert Award — Best Screenplay · 2023
  • International Submission to the Academy Awards · 2023 · nominated
  • European Film Award — Best Screenwriter · 2022 · nominated
  • European Film Award — Best Actress · 2022 · nominated
  • European Film Award — Best Film · 2022 · nominated
  • European Film Award — Best Director · 2022 · nominated

Cast & crew

Directed by Ali Abbasi