Kingdom of the Spiders

Set in the late 1970s, a rural Arizona town confronts a deadly spider infestation linked to ecological disruption and pesticide use. The story follows a veterinarian and an arachnologist as they race to understand venom, survive, and inform the town's response before the spiders overrun Camp Verde.

Verde Valley in central Arizona serves as the crisis zone when a tarantula infestation swarms a rural town. Camp Verde, a small community with farms and a central lodge, becomes isolated as the insects invade homes and streets. The landscape—desert, farmland, and a lodge—highlights the vulnerability of an isolated town to ecological disruption.

🕷️ Ecology

A ecological disturbance theme: pesticides disrupt tarantula prey and migration, driving the spiders into the town. The film links human agricultural practices to the survival threat posed by a suddenly cohesive spider swarm. It shows how scientific insight is essential to understanding ecological consequences under pressure.

🧭 Survival

Survival is central as townspeople seek shelter and a plan to escape. The lodge becomes a sanctuary as the group tries to outlast the siege. Resources are scarce, and every decision tests courage and cooperation.

🏚️ Fear & Community

The mayor's reluctance to embrace science and his focus on appearances reveal a community driven by fear. Isolation intensifies panic as the spiders advance and authorities struggle to respond quickly while residents face a deep sense of vulnerability.

🧪 Science vs. Policy

Diane Ashley represents scientific reasoning that questions quick-fix pesticide solutions in favor of ecological caution. The clash between ecological science and political expediency drives much of the tension as the town attempts to balance safety with economic concerns.