Arachnophobia

Arachnophobia

Year: 1990

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Frank Marshall

ThrillerFantasyHorrorComedy

A venomous spider, transported from Venezuela to California, unleashes a terrifying wave of deadly arachnid offspring upon a small town. As the community grapples with the escalating threat, Dr. Ross Jennings, who suffers from a paralyzing fear of spiders, must confront his phobia. He teams up with local exterminator Delbert McClintock to identify the source of the infestation and find a way to stop the spiders before they consume the town and everyone in it.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Arachnophobia (1990)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Arachnophobia (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in contemporary times, evident through the modern practices of medicine and community interactions. It highlights societal fears and the impact of nature on human lives. The blend of entomology and small-town life creates a sense of urgency as the characters confront an unforeseen threat.

Location

Venezuelan tepui, Canaima, California, San Francisco

The Venezuelan tepui is a unique geological formation known for its steep cliffs and diverse ecosystem, serving as the backdrop for the film's initial discovery. Canaima, California, the small hometown where the story unfolds, is depicted as a quaint community that is upended by the spider threat. San Francisco, known for its vibrant culture and iconic landmarks, draws a connection to the Jennings family's origins.

🌄 Wilderness 🏡 Hometown 🌆 City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:07

Main Characters – Arachnophobia (1990)

Meet the key characters of Arachnophobia (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ross Jennings

Ross Jennings is the newly appointed family physician struggling against his arachnophobia while dealing with the deadly insect invasion. He evolves from a timid character to a courageous figure who ultimately defends his family and community against the lurking threat. Ross embodies resilience and determination, making tough decisions to save those he loves.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor 😨 Fearful 🦸‍♂️ Heroic

Dr. Atherton

Dr. Atherton is a British entomologist who initially uncovers the prehistoric spiders, providing critical insights into the nature of the threat they face. His expertise and determination drive the investigation forward, but his fate serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of curiosity. Atherton acts as both a mentor and a catalyst for the story’s escalating conflict.

🔬 Scientist 👨‍🏫 Mentor ⚠️ Brave

Chris Collins

Chris Collins is Dr. Atherton's dedicated assistant, who supports Ross in uncovering the truth behind the spider attacks. Known for his eagerness and resourcefulness, he aids in both investigation and critical moments of action. Chris represents the bridge between scientific understanding and practical application during the crisis.

👨‍🔬 Assistant 🧠 Intelligent 🤝 Supportive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:07

Major Themes – Arachnophobia (1990)

Explore the central themes of Arachnophobia (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕷️ Fear

Fear is a central theme, showcased through Ross Jennings' arachnophobia and the community's escalating panic. As deadly spiders invade their once peaceful lives, the film explores how fear can disrupt normalcy and lead to chaos. The climactic moments demonstrate the characters' growth as they confront their fears head-on.

🔍 Discovery

The theme of discovery manifests through the uncovering of the new spider species and the subsequent revelation of their threat. This journey of inquiry drives Ross and Dr. Atherton to seek understanding amidst horror, emphasizing the duality of scientific discovery where knowledge can lead to both advancement and danger.

👨‍👩‍👦 Family

The importance of family is underscored as the Jennings navigate through the terror together. Their bond is tested but ultimately strengthens as they work as a unit to overcome the spider threat. The resolution reinforces the theme of unity in the face of adversity.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:07

Unlock the Full Story of Arachnophobia

Don't stop at just watching — explore Arachnophobia in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Arachnophobia is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Arachnophobia Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Arachnophobia, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Arachnophobia Summary

Arachnophobia Timeline

Track the full timeline of Arachnophobia with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Arachnophobia Timeline

More About Arachnophobia

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Arachnophobia: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Arachnophobia

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