Chris Hemsworth And Miles Teller's 107-Minute Dark Sci-Fi Movie Is A Must-Watch On Netflix

It seems that no one cares about Netflix's original movies, which might explain why people don't talk about "Spiderhead." Despite starring Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller, the sci-fi flick failed to set the world on fire. That said, fans of dark genre efforts should check out Joseph Kosinski's 2022 film, even if it's only for the novelty of seeing Hemsworth embrace the dark side.

"Spiderhead" sees Hemsworth play Steve Abnesti, a scientist who tests experimental drugs on prisoners to control their emotions. One inmate, Jeff (Teller), soon finds himself at the center of the madness, which becomes more disturbing as the story progresses. Viewers who expect to see Hemsworth in another heroic role — like Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe — might be shocked, but Steve is a fun change of pace for the actor.

Kosinski's film isn't as horrific as the Roger Ebert-approved "Re-Animator" in terms of stories about scientific overreach. However, "Spiderhead" is more philosophical and psychological, as it contemplates existential themes about freedom and humanity. Unlike some psychological thrillers that require a lot of buildup, this movie is a relatively quick watch at just 107 minutes.

Chris Hemsworth plays the villain in "Spiderhead," but he's a nuanced character who experiments on willing participants — even if they aren't fully aware of what they signed up for. The scientist wants to make the world a better place, and his experiments could be the key to humanity living in peace. At the same time, his procedures are highly unethical, raising questions about how far people are willing for the greater good.

"I think people will come away from the story discussing what Abnesti's real intentions are," Hemsworth revealed at an event attended by Inquirer.Net. "It may have been orchestrated the wrong way or too aggressively. But you could also see the benefit that he's aiming at."

Hemsworth added that people have acted terribly toward each other throughout history. For all his faults, Steve Abnesti has a noble purpose that could unite the masses, so is that a bad thing? It's hard to sympathize with the scientist's actions, but you'll understand his motivations — and that's what makes him a compelling villain.

Miles Teller echoed these sentiments in the same interview, noting that doctors have prescribed MDMA to combat PTSD in the past. As such, he hopes that people don't view "Spiderhead" as entirely maniacal in its depiction of science. "[T]he best story is one that makes you think and feel. That's what I hope to accomplish with this movie."