We’re Not Here to Fuck Spiders (2020) Film Review – Found Footage from Down Under

Posted on by Jim Cox

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We’re Not Here to Fuck Spiders is a 2020 Australian found footage horror movie written and directed by Josh Reed, who is primarily recognized for his directing work on television series. He gained notable attention for his direction of the feature horror thriller Primal (2010), the comedy series The Hamster Wheel (2011-12), and The Chaser’s Media Circus (2014-15), among others.

The film depicts illicitly recorded footage from an ice dealer’s home in Sydney, showcasing his captive girlfriend, crew members, and their tumultuous interactions with bikers and corrupt law enforcement involved in drug trafficking.

Offering a gripping glimpse into Australia’s grim realities of substance abuse, We’re Not Here to Fuck Spiders—Ozzy slang meaning “not messing around”—presents a starkly realistic portrayal of addiction’s toll on individuals. From the squalid living conditions to the evident paranoia and violent behavior, the film faithfully reflects the degrading impact of meth on users. It does not shy away from showcasing drug use, as nearly every character is depicted habitually smoking the crystal substance. The narrative takes a significantly darker turn with elements of child slavery, meth manufacturing, and children being abused through drugs, highlighting some chilling contemporary issues.

The film starts with an air of mystery, framed as thousands of hours of footage inexplicably uploaded online, compelling viewers to piece together the story themselves, enhancing its authenticity. While the plot unfolds gradually, certain aspects remain ambiguous, though they aren’t overly complex to interpret.

Utilizing various camera angles, We’re Not Here to Fuck Spiders presents a broad array of viewpoints from the concealed cameras throughout the decaying building. Although atypical in found footage, the rapid scene transitions ensure that the tumultuous action remains clear for the audience, providing an unavoidable front-row view of the unsettling chaos that unfolds. Additionally, a concealed POV perspective is introduced for the rare instances when the group leaves their rundown home, although it connects with the mysterious narrative and may appear out of place initially, its relevance soon becomes evident.

Highlighting the hauntingly disturbing realities of addiction, the cast delivers a diverse yet accurate portrayal of dependency. Their distinct roles within the group illustrate different levels of addiction, still conveying the debilitating nature of the condition. At the forefront of this spectrum is Anton, the film’s primary antagonist, compellingly portrayed by Lindsay Farris. His portrayal of the character is hauntingly effective, with his unpredictable, psychotic behavior commanding every scene he inhabits—the chilling delivery of his ‘Ant and Grasshopper’ monologue is particularly memorable.

A chaotic mix of drugs and violence, We’re Not Here to Fuck Spiders is a challenging but rewarding addition to the found footage genre, effectively balancing on the edge of extreme cinema with its starkly brutal portrayal. Featuring outstanding performances from the entire cast, a captivating storyline, and an undeniable sense of realism, the film takes the audience on a wild journey of highs and lows that immerses them in the dark realities many encounter in everyday life.

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We’re Not Here to Fuck Spiders (2020) is available to watch for free on Found TV here.

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