Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Spiderhead: Netflix viewers blown away by Chris Hemsworth’s ‘career-best’ performance in sci-fi thriller

‘Chris Hemsworth absolutely BODIED this s***,’ one viewer wrote

Louis Chilton
Friday 17 June 2022 14:58 BST
Comments
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky Expecting Twins

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Viewers have lavished praise on Chris Hemworth for his performance in the Netflix sci-fi thriller Spiderhead.

Adapted from a short story by George Saunders, Spiderhead follows a prisoner (Miles Teller) in an experimental drug testing programme run by the egomaniacal Steve Abnesti (Hemsworth).

While the film has received mixed reviews from critics, viewers have shared their thoughts on the film on social media following its release on Friday (17 June).

Spiderhead is so weird… I like it,” one viewer wrote. “Chris Hemsworth really gets to flex his acting muscles, he’s amazing!

“Some of the concepts don’t land but for the most part, it’s pretty enjoyable. Sort of like if Ex Machina met a pharmaceutical company.”

“[Spiderhead is] well directed, the soundtrack rules, and Chris Hemsworth absolutely BODIED this s***,” wrote another. “Easily my favourite performance of his.”

Someone else commented: “While Spiderhead is Joseph Kosinski’s [the film’s director] weakest film to date, it is still a lot of fun. Miles Teller is great but Chris Hemsworth’s mad scientist persona steals the show.”

Chris Hemsworth as Abnesti in the Netflix George Saunders adaptation ‘Spiderhead'
Chris Hemsworth as Abnesti in the Netflix George Saunders adaptation ‘Spiderhead' (Courtesy Of Netflix)

Spiderhead is likely to rise through the Netflix rankings over the coming days, coming up against recent hits including Hustle and Interceptor.

Interceptor managed to rise to No 1 in the streaming service’s charts despite a torrent of negative reviews. It starred Hemsworth’s wife, Elsa Pataky, and featured a shock cameo from the Thor star himself.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

The runaway success of the film even prompted a somewhat baffled reaction from Interceptor’s own director.

Chris Hemsworth in ‘Spiderhead'
Chris Hemsworth in ‘Spiderhead' (Netflix)

Hustle, meanwhile, starred Adam Sandler as a scrappy basketball coach. Though Sandler will doubtless be pleased with the film’s popularity, it also broke a new record for the actor on Rotten Tomatoes – one he’s sure to be delighted with.

Hemsworth can soon be seen in Thor: Love and Thunder, opposite Christian Bale and Tessa Thompson.

In an interview this week, the actor revealed the one condition he had before agreeing to reprise the role of the god of thunder.

Spiderhead is available to stream on Netflix now.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in