Itsy Bitsy is a 2019 horror film directed by Micah Gallo, starring Bruce Davison, Elizabeth Roberts, Arman Darbo, and Chloe Perrin. The film centers on a family who move into an old, secluded mansion where they become stalked by an ancient entity that takes the form of a giant spider.
This is a very interesting film because it’s an interesting premise. It’s not original but it’s a good take on an old story of a family that moves into a new location only to be assaulted by some supernatural (or not) force. We’ve seen this story before with films like The Messengers (2007), A Haunted House (2013), The Amityville Horror (1979), The New Daughter (2009), Beetlejuice (1988), and The Shining (1980) and although it has its moments will not break any new ground. In fact, it’s actually quite tame. But what it does do is shine a light on its characters and giving them arcs and good backstories. I will say that the film could’ve done so much more. The story around the spider itself is interesting but not fleshed out enough. In fact, it feels like it’s interesting but dropped halfway through.
The characters themselves are actually pretty good. The main cast are Kara and her two children Jesse and Cambria. The family is still dealing with the death of a family member which is ultimately why the characters moved. There is some tension between them but ultimately, they are a likable family. Kara is dealing with drug abuse while attempting to raise her kids and as a single mom I do like the struggles she faces. Jesse and Cambria are likable enough and I do like their relationships. The supporting characters are good enough, although I didn’t like Jane because she showed way too much interest in Kara.
Overall, the story could’ve been better, but the characters are decent. (3 out of 5)
The best part of the film undeniably are the special effects. They practical effects when it comes to the giant spider are done exceptionally well. It’s actually quite creepy how effectively it’s used. There isn’t much gore, but we do get a couple of bodies mutilated by the spider’s venom. They’re gross and nasty. The house setting itself is quite good, claustrophobic yet measured. The cinematography itself is tame but there are some good shots of the spider. There’s a scene where Cambria is playing beneath a tree and the spider is hanging above her looking down. It’s cool but creepy.
The music is okay, generic but okay. Garry Schyman and Frederik Wiedmann do a decent job with the music though. I do like how the spider sounds and the sound design around it. It’s creepy and gives a sense of unease. The film also benefits from the scenes with no music which helps to build tension. This isn’t a big budget film but it does implore some pretty interesting tactics to capitalize on its use.
Overall, the aesthetics are good, though the music could be deeper. (3 out of 5)
The main and supporting cast is actually decent. I did like the lead; Elizabeth Roberts is actually pretty good. I found that she was able to convey the struggles of her life while sympathizing with her. The child actors, Arman Darbo (as Jesse) and Chloe Perrin (as Cambria) are good, Darbo having a bit more to do. I do believe they have decent chemistry. Supporting roles include Bruce Davison (as Walter) and Denise Crosby (as Jane) but wished they had more to do. Other performances include Treva Etienne (as Ahkeeba), Eileen Dietz (as Sally), Matty Cardarople (as Donny) and Grace Shen.
The writing and direction is good but it definitely could’ve been better. There’s something that’s missing, and I believe that the film’s to safe. It doesn’t push itself enough with its premise. What it does good are the performances and how well the characterization is. Well, with the spider it doesn’t. The film and writing is most compelling when it focuses on the struggles between Kara and Jesse. The film does touch on grief and addiction though I don’t think it resolves it well enough.
I will say that the dialogue isn’t as good as it could’ve been. A good example of this is when Cambria speaks about the spider webs in the attic and because she’s so young it sounds weird but acceptable because she’s young. The horror is practically nonexistent although there are some creepy moments here and there. The film establishes that the spider is an ancient spider goddess but doesn’t really explore it enough. Now, the spider does display some form of intelligence and does seem particularly draw to Cambria, but it doesn’t do anything with this plot. It doesn’t speak to her or try to seduce her. It has several opportunities to kill the family but doesn’t and I don’t understand why. There are some pacing issues here and there stretching some scenes that could’ve been trimmed down. There are other elements that could’ve been tightened up a bit but it’s still a decent watch.
Overall, performances are decent, but the writing and direction aren’t particularly good. (3 out of 5)
The Verdict: In the end, Itsy Bitsy is a decent spider movie, but it could’ve been so much more. The writing and direction are at fault here but the performances, setting, and special effects are good. Itsy Bitsy isn’t breaking any new ground but it’s better than most of the garbage spider movies I’ve seen. Itsy Bitsy gets 3 out of 5.
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