Test your knowledge of Spiders with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Spiders (2013). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


The wreckage of a disastrous Soviet space station, previously used for bizarre experiments on colossal arachnids, has crashed into New York City’s intricate subway tunnels. The story follows Jason Cole, a steadfast subway supervisor, as chaos begins to unfold. Just as a warning siren blares and emergency teams scramble to evacuate the area due to fears of a catastrophic disease, Jason’s coworker Jimmy ventures deep into the tunnels to investigate the source of the noise. He confidently reassures Jason, proclaiming, > “I think it’s just the wreckage from that Russian spacecraft,” but in an instant, he falls victim to a hidden menace, leading to a tragic electrocution when he tumbles onto the third rail.

At the site of the fallen space station, hazmat team members search for evidence of radioactive contamination amidst the debris. They recover a piece of wreckage, which is hastily delivered to a Russian doctor present at the scene who dismisses it as “nothing to worry about.” Despite Rachel Cole voicing concerns over outstanding “waste disposal issues,” the authorities declare the subway station safe for passengers just in time for rush hour.

A startling revelation ensues when a hospital pathologist uncovers strange “insect eggs” within Jimmy’s lifeless body. He hands Jason a canister containing these unsettling samples and instructs him to bring them to the health department for further analysis.

As the story shifts back to the subway systems, a foul stench prompts officials to halt operations once more. Pest control urgently removed an abandoned subway cart and stumbled upon the horrific sight of multiple deceased homeless individuals, cocooned within webs laden with eggs. One unfortunate soul is soon overwhelmed by a swarm of spiders, their grotesque movements making it seem as if they are macabre puppets.

In an effort to control the emerging crisis, authorities cordon off the area and reroute transit lines while misinforming the public about a supposed “virus outbreak.” Meanwhile, a specialized team, equipped with protective gear, captures the marauding spiders and confines them within a vast enclosure. In the morgue, Dr. Darnoff collaborates with Russian investigators to conduct an autopsy on Jimmy, uncovering the presence of a queen spider egg symbiotically implanted within him.

Dr. Darnoff reveals that two decades earlier, a spacecraft buried in ice yielded alien genetic material which was injected into several species, but only spiders could endure these extraterrestrial genes. He emphasizes the queen spider’s significance, capable of spinning limitless, lightweight protective material, which could provide military dominance to whoever controls it. In an unexpected turn of events, Colonel Jenkins dismisses Darnoff’s cautions and orders the extermination of those who came in contact with the spiders, regardless of the doctor’s warning that their eradication is unnecessary.

As a crisis unfolds, Rachel’s report reveals critical details regarding the eggs, leading officials to quarantine her apartment while trapping her sister Emily inside. In a desperate turn, Jason narrowly avoids capture and, upon examining the eggs, discovers an alarming lack of bacteria, an anomaly in nature. In a different location, operatives associated with Dr. Darnoff seize Rachel’s purse containing the critical queen egg canister as she exits her underground garage.

As tension escalates, Rachel hurriedly contacts Jason, urging him to flee as they have unwittingly become targets of a merciless Russian scheme. Below the city, an unsettling transformation occurs as the spiders grow to terrifying sizes, emerging from the depths. Jason and Rachel rush to their apartment, determined to save Emily, who is trapped in a perilous situation. Venturing through the underground maze, they face colossal, toxic arachnids that attack without mercy. Yet, through sheer determination and clever tactics, they fend off these formidable creatures and reach the sanctuary of their apartment, only to find out through a frantic message that Emily has managed to escape and is hiding out at a nearby toy store.

As Jason’s relentless quest to capture the queen spider intensifies, Dr. Darnoff intervenes, warning that seizing her could disrupt the fragile balance of their subterranean ecosystem. However, Jenkins, consumed by ambition, ignores this sage advice. Just as he is on the verge of capturing the queen, she erupts from the earth and devours the doctor, leaving Jenkins stunned by the unexpected turn of events.

Ultimately, Jason and Rachel find Emily in the toy store, but their joy quickly diminishes as they hear her desperate cries for help. Racing back into the tunnels, they encounter relentless hordes of spiders. Undaunted, they seek refuge behind a door and later find Emily, who is ensnared in sticky webs and desperately seeks her freedom.

They navigate back to the surface, aided by a precarious ladder as the queen pursues them relentlessly. In a brave act, Jason stomps on eggs lining the tunnel walls, enraging the queen and attracting her ire as she chases him. Utilizing a subway train, he maneuvers to lure her into a dead-end tunnel where her size proves her downfall.

With the queen trapped, Jason expertly steers the train backward through the narrow passage, but in the chaos, it collides with the queen, rupturing gas pipes and igniting a cataclysmic explosion that consumes the subterranean lair, including the monstrous queen.

As the inferno subsides, Jason, Rachel, and Emily reunite on the surface while soldiers work to collect the scorched remains of their arachnid foes. However, the eerie sight of a lone mutated spider crawling across a shattered traffic light hints at an ominous future as the screen fades to black.

Timeline

Track the key events of Spiders (2013) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Crash of the Space Station

A disastrous Soviet space station crash-lands into New York City's subway tunnels, unleashing chaos. This event sets off a chain reaction of events that reveals the hidden dangers below the city.

New York City Subway

Jason's Coworker Investigates

As warning sirens blare, Jason Cole watches his coworker Jimmy intrepidly descend into the tunnels to investigate the source of the commotion. Tragically, Jimmy falls victim to a hidden threat, resulting in his electrocution on the third rail.

New York City Subway

Hazmat Response

Hazmat teams arrive at the crash site to test for radioactive contamination. While they recover debris, a Russian doctor dismisses any concerns, telling authorities there's nothing to fear as they prepare the subway for rush hour.

Subway Crash Site

Discovery of Insect Eggs

A hospital pathologist finds strange insect eggs within Jimmy’s body. He hands Jason a canister containing these unusual samples, urging him to get them analyzed at the health department.

Hospital

Uncovering the Horrors in the Subway

Officials are forced to halt subway operations when pest control discovers multiple deceased homeless individuals wrapped in spider webs. This shocking sight signals the looming threat in the tunnels.

New York City Subway

Quarantine and Misinformation

As the spider crisis escalates, authorities quarantine the area and fire misinformation about a virus outbreak to appease panic. Meanwhile, a specialized team manages to capture some of the spiders.

New York City

Dr. Darnoff's Investigation

In the morgue, Dr. Darnoff examines Jimmy's body alongside Russian investigators. They discover a queen spider egg implanted inside him, linking the deadly arachnids to a larger scheme.

Morgue

Colonel Jenkins Orders Eradication

Colonel Jenkins brushes off Dr. Darnoff's warnings about the queen spider and orders the extermination of anyone who encountered the spiders. This reckless decision accelerates the unfolding disaster.

Military Command Center

Rachel's Revelations

Rachel's report uncovers significant details concerning the spider eggs, resulting in her apartment being quarantined. During the chaos, her sister Emily is inadvertently trapped inside.

Rachel's Apartment

Spiders Grow in Size

The spiders lurking beneath the city undergo a grotesque transformation, growing to terrifying sizes. As Jason and Rachel rush home, they realize they must save Emily from the emerging threat.

New York City Subway

Fleeing to Find Emily

In a race against time, Jason and Rachel navigate the labyrinth of the subway to rescue Emily. Their determination is tested as they confront giant spiders lurking in the shadows.

New York City Subway

The Queen Spider's Wrath

As Jason intensifies his hunt for the queen spider, Dr. Darnoff warns him of the repercussions of capturing her. Just as Jenkins tries to seize the queen, she erupts from the ground, devouring Darnoff in front of a shocked crowd.

Subway Tunnels

Desperate Search in the Toy Store

Finding Emily in a toy store brings brief relief to Jason and Rachel, but they must quickly address her cries for help. They plunge back into the depths of the subway where dangers loom.

Toy Store

The Final Confrontation

Using a subway train, Jason devises a risky plan to trap the queen spider in a dead-end tunnel. Their harrowing pursuit ends with a catastrophic explosion that destroys the queen and her lair.

Subway Tunnel

An Ominous Conclusion

As the dust settles from the explosion, Jason, Rachel, and Emily emerge on the surface, reuniting safely. However, the sight of a mutated spider crawling across the street foreshadows that the threat may not be entirely over.

New York City

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Spiders (2013) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Jason Cole

As a steadfast subway supervisor, Jason epitomizes bravery and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming odds. His determination to protect his loved ones and the city drives him to confront the monstrous threats below New York. Jason's character showcases themes of resilience and sacrifice.

🦸‍♂️ Heroic 🏙️ Urbanite

Rachel Cole

Rachel, Jason's partner, is intelligent and resourceful, playing a critical role in seeking answers throughout the chaos. Her determination to understand the escalating crisis and her fierce protective instincts towards her family highlight her character's resolve and intelligence.

👩‍🔬 Smart 🛡️ Protective

Emily

Emily is portrayed as an innocent victim caught in the upheaval caused by the spider crisis. Her plight drives Jason and Rachel's actions, symbolizing the vulnerability of the city's inhabitants amidst an unexpected horror.

👧 Innocent 📉 Vulnerable

Dr. Darnoff

Dr. Darnoff is a knowledgeable character who provides critical insights regarding the alien spiders and their dangerous potential. His warnings about the ecological ramifications of capturing the queen spider underline the film's themes of science and consequences.

👨‍🔬 Expert 📖 Cautious

Setting

Uncover the settings of Spiders (2013), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The movie unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern society's anxieties and fears regarding biohazards and unexpected dangers. The scenario takes place amidst an advanced urban setting that emphasizes the rapid response of emergency services in face of disasters.

Location

New York City, Soviet space station

New York City serves as the chaotic backdrop where the wreckage of a Soviet space station integrates with its intricate subway system. Known for its bustling streets and rich cultural tapestry, the city becomes a battleground for an unprecedented spider invasion, posing a dire threat to its inhabitants.

🏙️ City 🚀 Space

Themes

Explore the core themes of Spiders (2013). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🕷️

Survival

The theme of survival is central to the narrative, as characters engage in a desperate struggle against a terrifying and evolving threat. As chaos erupts, the protagonists must rely on their wits and courage to protect themselves and their loved ones from the onslaught of monstrous arachnids.

⚠️

Danger

Danger looms at every corner as the characters navigate the treacherous tunnels of the subway and confront the horrifying fallout from the space station crash. The film captures the unpredictability of life in an urban environment, exacerbated by the unwitting release of a lethal force from the past.

🧪

Science

Scientific experimentation and its unintended consequences are pivotal to the storyline. The film highlights how the ambition to harness alien genetics leads to devastating outcomes, serving as a cautionary tale about the ethical boundaries of scientific advancement.

© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.