Serpent

Serpent is a thrilling 2017 film that's a visceral combination of the survival and psychological horror genres. Directed by Amanda Evans, this movie makes use of a claustrophobic setting and a deadly creature to create suspense and deep tension. The movie stars Tom Ainsley, most known for his roles in "Versailles" and "The Royals", as Adam, and Sarah Dumont, seen in "Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse", as Gwynneth. The supporting cast includes Skye Russell and Andrew Govender.

Set primarily in the untouched wilderness of African forests, Serpent takes the audience into the heart of nature, in its most raw and piercing form. The movie skillfully explores the crushing contradiction of the vast open spaces yet the pervasive feeling of no escape that abounds within its plot. The storyline follows the married couple Adam and Gwynneth on a potentially relationship-saving trip to these staged, vast landscapes.

Adam, a photographer, and Gwynneth, a medical doctor, find themselves stuck in an emotional quagmire after Gwynneth has an affair. Adam's inability to forgive her and Gwynneth's wracked guilt over her infidelity causes a rift between them. As a final attempt to reignite their dwindling flame of marital bliss, they decide to embark on a hiking trip to an exotic locale, filled with breathtaking vistas of forested hills and rivers. Hoping to rekindle their love in the heart of nature, they left their metropolitan lifestyle behind to find themselves camping in the African wilderness.

Everything seems peaceful initially, as breathtaking sunsets and fragile tranquillity surround them. However, the tension between the couple remains palpable. As the script delicately reveals, their shared bond, which has been wavering under the strain of betrayal, brings with it an enigmatic dynamic, which manages to keep the audience enthralled.

Things take a dramatic turn when a deadly Black Mamba snake intervenes, thus placing the couple in a literal fight for survival. Paranoia and fear take over as the wilderness closes in on them. Within their compact tent, which was supposed to be a haven from the rest of the world, they find the deadliest snake in the world lurking. Their struggle for survival against this deadly predator forms the crux of the narrative. As the characters battle both the lethal intruder and their own strained emotions, the tension in the narrative significantly amplifies.

The director, Amanda Evans, has contributed significantly to depicting this primal struggle for existence combined with the exploration of human despair, resentment, and chances of resurrection. Audiences will note her artful portrayal of the stark contrast between the serenity of the African wilderness and the raw, deadly terror dwelling within it. The performances given by Tom Ainsley and Sarah Dumont add depth to these complex characters, navigating through both survival and their crumbling relationship simultaneously.

Much like the venom of the Black Mamba, the bitterness and regret in Adam and Gwynneth's relationship also create an intense, perilous atmosphere, thus keeping the audience on its toes throughout the film. This results in a terrifyingly gripping adventure and emotional voyage in the heart of the African wilderness.

Serpent's unexpected and captivating story engages the audience, keeping suspense alive with every passing scene. The film is high on tension and steadily paces itself without losing narrative potency or the character's consistency. It terrifies viewers with its horrific survival tale while functioning as an allegorical representation of a relationship on the brink of destruction.

In conclusion, Serpent is a tension-fueled horror and survival film. It uses a deadly serpent and the wilderness's grim reality as effective metaphors for resentment and guilt in a strained relationship. The film's exploration of human emotions alongside an intense fight for survival makes for a compelling narrative. Featuring powerful performances by its leading actors and an ingeniously suspense-laden plot, Serpent is undoubtedly a gripping tale of survival, redemption, and the human spirit's indomitable endurance. Criterion viewers who appreciate an engaging blend of psychological horror and heart-stirring drama will find this film a rewarding watch.