The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story

“With great power comes great responsibility,” and Sony has not always been able to demonstrate this. However, in the latest addition to the Spider-Verse, they absolutely have.

In a 7-minute-long animated short, we follow Miles Morales (voiced by Sameik Moore) as he tries to deal with the unbearable pressure of daily life as a young adult and the responsibilities of being a superhero. When the pressure becomes too much, Miles has a panic attack, and these anxieties manifest themselves in a terrifying way.

A story such as this is important, especially because of the target audience these animated features are aimed at. With the kind of reach and influence Sony has with properties like this, it is commendable to see them put it to good use, telling a story that will resonate with us all.

Distributing this short story on YouTube for free is also impressive; it could have easily been kept back for a Blu-ray extra or put behind a small paywall – bravo.

Just because it’s short and also free, there is absolutely no compromise when it comes to the quality, and it is just that. Sony Animation consistently delivers some of the most amazing and progressive animation put to screen within the Spider-Verse series, and this is no exception. The direction (by Jarelle Dampier) is sublime, as is the writing (by Khalia Amazan). “The Spider Within” does not waste a single second of its runtime; every frame is dripping with a love for the craft, and every piece of dialogue is delivered wonderfully.

A highly recommended watch for children and adults alike; sometimes it’s good to be reminded that no matter who you are, everybody struggles at times, and when we do, the bravest thing is to ask for help.

Story: 10/10
Acting: 9/10
Direction: 10/10
Pacing: 10/10
Visuals: 10/10
Target Audience: 10/10
Resonate: 9/10
Entertainment & Emotional Value: 30/30

Overall: 98/100