2000s horror film adventure film science fiction film monster film

Arachnid

2001 · Spain · 95 min

Director: Jack Sholder
Screenplay: Mark Sevi
Producer: Brian Yuzna, Julio Fernández Rodríguez
Cinematography: Carlos González

Cast

Neus Asensi

Alex Reid

Chris Potter

José Sancho

Ravil Isyanov

Jesús Cabrero

What it is about

A secret expedition flies to a South Pacific island on a small plane to investigate a suspected deadly virus that is devastating the local population. It is led by the skeptical adventurer Valentine, together with Professor Samuel Leon, his assistant Susana and pilot Loren Mercer, a former soldier who hopes to find her brother there, missing after a secret mission. Strange events soon begin, and while exploring the area the group discovers that the island is home to mutant spiders of alien origin.

How it was made

The script by Mark Sevi reached Brian Yuzna through co-producer Sheri Bryant. Yuzna and Sevi rewrote it, adding smaller creatures before the giant spider appears to build tension. It was the second film under the Fantastic Factory label, created by Yuzna and Julio Fernandez in Spain. Filming took place from May 15 to July 1, 2000, with studio scenes in Barcelona and outdoor scenes in Mexico. The main spider and other practical creature effects were made by Steve Johnson and his team, XFX.

Reception and legacy

Critics received it mostly negatively. No notable awards are recorded, and its historical interest lies largely in being one of the early productions of this Spanish horror label.