Holy Spider

Holy Spider

Year: 2022

Runtime: 116 min

Language: Persian

Director: Ali Abbasi

DramaThrillerCrime

In the Iranian city of Mashhad, a determined journalist investigates a series of disturbing murders. The killings are perpetrated by a man who believes he is acting on divine will, punishing supposed victims of sin. As the body count increases and the killer gains notoriety, the journalist’s search for answers becomes increasingly perilous, challenging her own sense of morality and threatening to expose uncomfortable truths about society. The investigation pushes her to the edge, blurring the lines between justice and fanaticism.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Holy Spider (2022)

Trace every key event in Holy Spider (2022) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

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.

Mashhad
2

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.

Mashhad
3

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.

Mashhad
4

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.

Mashhad
5

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.

Mashhad
6

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.

Mashhad
7

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.

Mashhad
8

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.

Mashhad
9

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.

Prison in Mashhad
10

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.

Mashhad
11

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.

Mashhad
12

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.

Mashhad
13

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.

On a bus from Mashhad to Tehran
14

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.

On a bus from Mashhad to Tehran

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 17:56

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Holy Spider Summary

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Holy Spider Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Holy Spider

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Holy Spider

Holy Spider Ending Explained

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Holy Spider Ending Explained

More About Holy Spider

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