In Spiderhead, director Joseph Kosinski blends brutalist aesthetics, experimental science, and a scenery-chewing Chris Hemsworth to form a strangely subdued sci-fi flick. Based on the dystopian short story "Escape from Spiderhead" by George Saunders, the film sees a charismatic scientist named Steve Abnesti (Hemsworth) using willing inmates like Jeff (Miles Teller) and Lizzy (Jurnee Smollett) as lab rats for new mind-altering chemicals. We review Spiderhead and its confusing choices, the imbalance of "vibe" and a good plot, as well as the joy of watching Chris Hemsworth own the stage by flexing his over-the-top acting muscles.

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