Loosely based on true events, Holy Spider follows the story of a serial killer who is on the hunt for women ‘who sell their bodies’. What is his motive? Now, I wouldn’t be wrong if I say that this is a very different kind of a serial killer film. In fact at the core of it, it is a searing commentary on the patriarchy that is prevalent in our society. The screenplay standing at less than 120 minutes does make for a compelling watch. Please note that this section will contain mild spoilers, so viewers discretion is advised!

The drama opens with a graphic scene featuring a lady n*de and standing in front of the mirror getting dressed up while the camera does pan on her back which has red marks on it. This itself was the portrait of feminism veiled by marks on patriarchy on her back, a theme which would eventually be explored further through the running minutes of the film. We learn that the lady is does sell her body to earn a living for her family that also features a child. What seemed like a normal night of work turns topsy-turvy once she is picked by a stranger and strangulated to death.

The drama here is NOT a whodunnit unlike many other serial killer films. The identity of the serial killer is revealed early on as we get to know that he is an average joe living with his wife and two kids. This was a bit of a shocker considering ‘how regular’ his life otherwise was. There is a parallel track featuring a female journalist who is newly assigned the case of the killings. She is undergoing her own identity crisis of a lone female in an otherwise male world. Through a few exchange of dialogues, we get to know that she was earlier fired from her previous job after she refused to sleep with her editor. This is the start of the reflection of patriarchy that is prevalent in our society.

There are constant hints thrown in on how difficult is to reside and survive in a male dominated society. A simple scene involving a policeman coaxing the female journalist to share a cigarette, with that being a sign that she is ‘interested’ in him, makes for a poignant viewing. The drama does not compromise on violence and gore. There are extensive scenes of strangulations that would make you squirm in your seat. Yet, you are curious to know the reason behind the murders despite the fact that you are already are half-expecting it. There are concepts of religion that are smartly integrated in the drama.

The drama is consistently engrossing and engaging while keeping the viewers on their toes. It does get overwhelming at times too as the bodies begin to pile up(and you are aware that this is based on a true story). The entire sequence featuring the female journalist using herself as a bait only to barely escape from the cusps of the killer makes for a compelling viewing. But the real exposé begins from the time the serial killer is arrested.

The final 40 minutes are dedicated to the court trial and I was appalled at the public reactions who called him ‘innocent’ and someone who was ‘just cleaning up sinful women’. I was honestly boiling with anger at this point which unfortunately was a stark reality of today’s times. The belief itself was so ridiculous that I couldn’t help but think that it was this very belief that was blinding so many people. To top it, even the authorities were inclined towards the accused and only because of the ongoing media coverage did they have to sound a verdict that was appropriate. The writers also try showcasing the side of one of the victim’s family who we are told are really poor. And they too were blaming their daughter for it while open to accepting a compensation amount. Hypocrisy!

One aspect of the drama that really did move me was the final scene that was so powerful and left me with many thoughts in my head. It was a scene featuring the son of the protagonist who was enacting the entire crime scene with his sister. He did also state that his father was innocent and that if he was punished then there would be someone else who would stand up and continue ‘the remaining work'(of killing off women who sell their bodies). This made me realise on how much of an impact a patriarch can have on his children particularly the ‘next patriarch in line’. A word of advice to the parents – teach your son on how to respect women from the very beginning and also set an example! Overall, the screenplay was a powerful portrayal of patriarchy veiled as a serial killer drama!