Feb. 19, 2022|United States|84 Min.|TV-14
Genre: Drama;Thriller;TV;Movie
Description: The film “Caught in His Web” (2022) begins with a teenager sobbing in the dark while receiving disturbing messages like “I Own You,” which drive her to self-harm with a razor blade. Emma, however, isn’t the only one targeted; Olivia and Gabby also receive similar messages throughout the night.
Emma is summoned to the guidance counselor’s office due to a sudden decline in her grades. Gabby is also present because she has been falling asleep in class, having stayed up all night dealing with her cyberbullies. At home, Emma’s mother works nights, leaving her alone to face relentless messages from Blake, who blackmails her into sending explicit photos. He threatens to post compromising images of other girls on Facebook, and Emma recognizes Gabby in one of them.
Gabby and Emma compare their experiences and realize they are being targeted by the same individual. Gabby informs Emma about Detective Holland, who is investigating the case. Emma’s decision to come forward strengthens the evidence against the cyberstalker. Detective Holland questions the girls, including a classmate named Olivia, to uncover similarities in their stories. While Gabby and Emma confide in their parents, Olivia chooses to cope with prescription drugs instead.
Despite Detective Holland’s efforts to hold teachers and colleagues accountable, many dismiss the issue of online and in-person bullying as unmanageable. Frustrated, the girls begin to inquire at school and discover that over twenty other girls are receiving similar messages. Determined to stand up to Blake, they all come forward to share their experiences with Detective Holland, who is shocked by the sheer number of victims.
The film highlights the devastating effects of cyberbullying and the importance of collective action to confront such abuse.
Cast director: Hannah Cheesman
Cast actor: Alison Thornton, Malia Baker, Emma Tremblay, Garcelle Beauvais, Morgan Taylor Campbell, Burkely Duffield
Original name: Caught in His Web