Holy Spider 2022
Directed by
Ali Abbasi
Made by
Cinéart
Plot Summary
Tehran-based journalist Arezoo Rahimi travels to the Iranian holy city of Mashhad, driven by the urgency to uncover the truth behind a horrific series of murders committed by a serial killer who preys on local street prostitutes struggling with addiction. Dubbed the “Spider Killer” by the media, this heartless murderer employs a chilling method: he picks up his victims on his motorcycle, takes them to an apartment, and strangles them with their headscarves, before callously discarding their bodies in remote areas on the edges of the city.
In her quest for justice, Arezoo partners with Sharifi, the editor of a regional newspaper. Intriguingly, Sharifi has been contacted by the killer, Saeed Azimi. He has unwittingly become Saeed’s spokesperson as the murderer claims to be on a mission to purify the city in the name of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam. At a poignant moment, Saeed is seen weeping at the Imam’s shrine. A veteran of the Iran-Iraq War, he maintains a facade of normalcy with a wife and three children, while working in construction.
Confident in their research, Arezoo and Sharifi devise a plan to trap the killer by enticing him with a staged encounter. Arezoo, masquerading as a sex worker, climbs onto Saeed’s motorcycle while Sharifi follows them in a vehicle, but quickly loses track of them in the maze of backstreets. Armed only with a pocket knife and a tape recorder, Arezoo aims to record a confession from Saeed, but her intentions unravel when he discovers her true purpose. In a desperate struggle, she narrowly escapes and rushes to report her findings to the police.
In the aftermath, Saeed is apprehended, but the nightmare is far from over. As the trial approaches, he finds surprising support from the public. When presented with the chance to claim insanity, he vehemently defends his actions, attributing them to his fervent devotion to the Imam and God, stating, > “I am only crazy about the eighth Imam.” During an intense interview in prison, Arezoo confronts him, where he chillingly admits to the murder of 16 women, asserting that she would have been his next victim.
The verdict arrives with Saeed receiving a grim sentence of 100 lashes and death. In a twist of fate, while awaiting execution, he is visited by his father-in-law and lawyer, who assure him of a last-minute rescue. However, when the moment of his execution comes, the anticipated escape fails to materialize, resulting in Saeed facing execution by hanging in a moment of raw panic.
As Arezoo boards a bus back to Tehran after saying her farewells to Sharifi, she reflects on the horrors she’s witnessed. While journeying home, she reviews video evidence from the case, lingering on a disturbing interview with Saeed’s teenage son, Ali. In a chilling display, Ali proudly reenacts how his father overpowered and choked his victims, using his younger sister to demonstrate the gruesome acts, leaving Arezoo haunted by the cycle of violence that endures even beyond Saeed’s capture.
Timeline
Arezoo travels to Mashhad
Tehran-based journalist Arezoo Rahimi embarks on a journey to the holy city of Mashhad. Her mission is fueled by the urgency to uncover the truth behind a series of horrific murders targeting street prostitutes.
Introduction of the Spider Killer
The media dubs the unknown assailant the 'Spider Killer', a moniker that reflects his chilling modus operandi. He cruelly preys on vulnerable women, luring them in with his motorcycle and disposing of their bodies in isolated areas.
Arezoo partners with Sharifi
Arezoo teams up with Sharifi, the editor of a local newspaper, as they work together to investigate the murders. Their collaboration becomes crucial, especially after discovering that Sharifi has been contacted by the killer himself.
Saeed Azimi's chilling background
Saeed Azimi, the Spider Killer, is revealed to be a seemingly ordinary man with a wife and three children, as well as a veteran of the Iran-Iraq War. This deceptive normalcy masks his violent tendencies and disturbing justifications for his actions.
The staged encounter
Confident in their research, Arezoo and Sharifi orchestrate a plan to trap Saeed by enticing him with a fake solicitation. Arezoo poses as a sex worker and climbs onto Saeed's motorcycle, while Sharifi follows closely behind in a vehicle.
Arezoo's near escape
During the encounter, the situation escalates when Saeed discovers Arezoo's true intentions. In a frantic struggle for her life, Arezoo manages to escape from his grasp, narrowly avoiding becoming his next victim.
Saeed's arrest
Following Arezoo's harrowing experience, Saeed is apprehended by the authorities. However, the event marks only the beginning of a complex journey through the justice system as public support surprisingly begins to swell for him.
Saeed's trial and insanity claim
As his trial approaches, Saeed claims insanity, asserting that his killings were acts of devotion to Imam Reza. He justifies his horrific actions, suggesting a disturbing rationalization for the violence he inflicted.
Arezoo's confrontation with Saeed
In a chilling interview in prison, Arezoo confronts Saeed Azimi. It is during this emotional encounter that he chillingly confesses to the murder of 16 women, revealing his disturbing mindset and intentions towards Arezoo herself.
Saeed's sentence
The verdict is delivered, sentencing Saeed to 100 lashes and execution. This harsh punishment reflects the gravity of his crimes and the societal outrage against his actions, as he maintains a defiant stance regarding his beliefs.
The failed rescue attempt
As Saeed awaits execution, he receives visits from his father-in-law and lawyer, who promise him that an escape is imminent. However, when the time arrives for his execution, the anticipated rescue fails to materialize, leading to a moment of raw panic.
Saeed's execution
In a tense and tragic conclusion, Saeed is executed by hanging, facing the consequences of his actions. This grim outcome serves as a chilling reminder of the violence that he perpetuated and its devastating impacts.
Arezoo's return to Tehran
After the traumatic events, Arezoo boards a bus back to Tehran. During her journey, she reflects on the horrors she has witnessed, grappling with the emotional weight of the brutality that unfolded in Mashhad.
Arezoo's haunting revelations
While traveling home, Arezoo watches video evidence from the case, particularly a disturbing interview with Saeed's teenage son. The chilling reenactment by Ali, mimicking his father's violent acts, leaves Arezoo haunted by the cycle of violence that persists.
Characters
Arezoo Rahimi
Arezoo is a determined and courageous journalist who risks her safety to expose the truth behind a series of brutal murders. Her tenacity drives her to confront dark realities as she navigates the dangers of her investigation. Equipped with a strong moral compass, Arezoo embodies the voice of the oppressed as she seeks justice for the countless victims of violence.
Sharifi
Sharifi, the editor of a regional newspaper, plays a key role in Arezoo's investigation, providing support and resources to pursue the complex case. His willingness to engage with the killer adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in confronting dangerous criminals. He represents the complexities of moral decision-making in pursuit of truth.
Saeed Azimi
Saeed is portrayed as a deeply conflicted character who masks his violent tendencies with a façade of normalcy and devotion to religion. His justifications for the murders expose his psychopathy and the disturbing implications of his beliefs. The character serves as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can coexist with piety, leaving a lasting impact on those who encounter him.
Ali
Ali, Saeed's teenage son, becomes a haunting figure in the film, revealing the cyclical nature of violence through his chilling reenactments. His actions underline the acute psychological impact that such parental figures have on their children, raising questions about the influences of upbringing on behavior. Ali embodies the potential for generational trauma and the normalization of violence.
Setting
Time period
Set in a contemporary period, the film reflects the ongoing societal struggles in Iran, particularly relating to women and issues of morality. It portrays a time when traditional values collide with modern realities, where street prostitution and related crimes reveal underlying societal tensions. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of complex cultural and religious dynamics.
Location
Tehran, Mashhad
The movie takes place in two significant cities in Iran: Tehran, the bustling capital, and Mashhad, known as a holy city due to the presence of the Imam Reza shrine. Mashhad serves as the backdrop for a series of gruesome murders, highlighting both its sacredness and the dark realities that lurk within. The stark contrast between the city's religious significance and the violence against vulnerable women underscores a deeper societal issue.
Themes
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Justice
Justice is a central theme of the film, exemplified through Arezoo's determination to uncover the truth behind the murders. The struggle between seeking justice for the victims and the societal support for the murderer highlights the complexities within the legal system. The varying public perceptions of justice in the context of the murders force viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about morality and accountability.
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Devotion
The theme of devotion manifests in the character of Saeed, whose twisted sense of purpose leads him to commit heinous acts in the name of Imam Reza. His beliefs clash dramatically with the reality of his actions, presenting a disturbing juxtaposition of faith and violence. The film challenges the notion of piety, urging viewers to examine the darker sides of blind devotion.
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Truth-seeking
Arezoo's journey represents the quest for truth in a world rife with deception and manipulation. Her investigative efforts shine a light on the societal issues surrounding street prostitution and the injustices faced by women. The film emphasizes the importance of uncovering the truth to facilitate healing and justice within the community.
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