Holy Spider is a gripping Iranian crime thriller directed by Ali Abbasi, which premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. The film is based on the true story of Saeed Hanaei, an Iran-Iraq War veteran and laborer who murdered 16 women, mostly prostitutes, in Mashhad, Iran between 2000 and 2001. The film depicts a fictional female journalist investigating a serial killer and takes original elements from the true story to create a more dramatic and exciting story.

In the film, the director focuses on a fictional female journalist named Sara, played by Zar Amir-Ebrahimi, who becomes intrigued by the serial killer’s case and decides to investigate it. As she delves deeper into the story, she uncovers a web of corruption and intrigue that goes far beyond the serial killer himself.

The film’s title, “The Holy Spider”, is a reference to the killer’s nickname, which he earned because of the way he disposed of the bodies of his victims. Bodies were left in abandoned buildings, wrapped in blankets, and over time spiders would build webs over them, creating a gruesome scene.

Holy Spider comes at a time when the issue of violence against women in Iran is at the forefront of public discourse. Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman, was killed by police in January 2021 during a peaceful protest in Tehran. Her death sparked widespread outrage and protests, with many women taking to the streets to demand justice for Mahsa and an end to violence against women.

In The Holy Spider, fictional journalist Rahimi investigates a serial killer case involving prostitutes. The film highlights the vulnerability of women in Iranian society, especially marginalized and stigmatized women. The film also draws attention to the lack of support and resources available to women in Iran who are victims of violence. The fictional character of Rahimi is frustrated by the lack of interest and support from the police and authorities, which echoes the experiences of many women in Iran.

Holy Spider also draws parallels with political oppression in Turkey, where journalists, activists, and opposition figures are often targeted and oppressed by the government. The film depicts a corrupt and abusive system where the authorities are more concerned with maintaining their power than serving justice or protecting the people.

Holy Spider is a profound and compelling film that explores the complex societal issues surrounding violence against women in Iran. The film sheds light on the lack of support and resources available to women in Iran who are victims of violence and raises important questions about the nature of justice and the role of the media in shaping public perception and understanding of crimes.

In conclusion, Holy Spider is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and anyone interested in thought-provoking and intense films. It is a harrowing and haunting depiction of a real-life serial killer’s reign of terror and the complex societal issues that surround it. With its excellent direction, cinematography, and acting, Holy Spider is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.