1) The Serpent & The Rainbow

Original Movie Poster

The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)

Directed by Wes Craven

Starring Bill Pullman, Cathy Tyson, and Zakes Mokae

Loosely based off the book by the same name, The Serpent and the Rainbow is about anthropologist Dennis Alan (Pullman) whom is sent down to Haiti by a pharmaceutical company after rumors of a black magic "zombie" drug.  The drug in question paralyzes the user, whom is then declared dead and buried while they are still conscious.  While in Haiti, Alan is assisted by Doctor Marielle Duchamp (Tyson), and his investigation takes him to a witch doctor, but also brings the attention of the local authorities,lead by Captain Peytraud (Mokae).  Is there really a "zombie" drug or is something more sinister in play?


One of Craven's better films, The Serpent and the Rainbow is just as much a psychological thriller as it is horror.  It's a film that can easily get under your skin, and isn't one that is easy to forget.  The "true story" nature of it makes it all that more eerie, even if liberties were taken for film purposes.  And the realism of voodoo Craven portrays on film is probably some of the most realistic ever, especially since filming was actually done in Haiti.

I found the acting to be decent, with Mokae having the best performance as the villainous Captain.  I was also impressed with Brent Jennings portrayal of witch doctor Louis Mozart.  The movie also has a few smaller roles, including a pre-Alfred Michael Gough as Schoonbacher and Paul Guilfoyle (Captain Jim Brass on CSI:) as Andrew Cassedy, the men who sends Alan down to Haiti.

Psychological horror always tends to get to me more than slasher, and this movie has a few scenes that stick out.  The being buried alive scenes are really well done, and the one Alan dreams is particularly mind-bending.  Also, if you hav arachnophobia or ophidiophobia, be warned; there will be a scene or two that makes your skin crawl.

I found the movie a little hard to get into at first, but once the main plot takes hold, it really is an entertaining and well done film.  I did find the ending to be a little weak, but overall I'm glad I found the time to give the film a watch.

7/10