Venom
Where to Watch Venom
Venom is an intriguing and suspenseful horror and thriller movie that was released in 1981. The film stars renowned actors of the era, including the enigmatic Klaus Kinski, the charismatic Oliver Reed, and the versatile Nicol Williamson. Directed by Piers Haggard, the film is based on the thrilling novel by Alan Scholefield.
Set in the heart of London, the movie's narrative opens with the storyline around a boy living in a posh house with his affluent grandfather, accompanied by a slew of household staff. The boy, who has a particular interest in exotic pets, is eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new pet snake, ordered from a local pet shop. In comes Klaus Kinski, who plays the role of Jacques, a French chauffeur, and Oliver Reed, who assumes the character of Dave, a rugged security man.
An error made by the pet shop results in the delivery of a highly venomous and dangerous Black Mamba snake instead of the harmless pet that was originally ordered. When Jacques and Dave, the two crooks, decide to stage a kidnapping of the boy to extract a hefty ransom, they are unexpectedly faced with a more perilous situation than they could have anticipated. The deadly snake, now loose in the house, becomes an unpredictable factor that threatens their meticulously planned operation.
As the story evolves, the tense atmosphere in the house escalates further with the arrival of a skilled detective named Commander William Bulloch, portrayed by Nicol Williamson. Bulloch's calm demeanor and sharp wit stand in stark contrast to the chaotic events unfolding within the walled mansion. On one end, he has to negotiate with the hostages' captors, and on the other, he has a deadly snake in the picture that could strike anything that moves.
Venom challenges the stereotypical heist storyline by successfully melding elements of horror via the lethal Black Mamba. The movie explores the concept of hidden fears and unseen dangers, with the snake becoming almost a metaphorical symbol for the underworld scenario that brews within the wealthy London mansion. It progresses from a home invasion drama to a nail-biting wildlife horror situation, maintaining an excellent balance to build suspense. The confined space of the house serves as an effective setting, amplifying the intense dramatic confrontations between the characters and their fight for survival against time and potential venomous strike.
The movie showcases Kinski and Reed in roles that are different from their traditional personas, enabling viewers to appreciate their wide repertoire of acting skills with every passing scene. Their performances create a sense of uneasiness, as they beautifully convey the escalating desperation and paranoia that their characters are experiencing. Kinski, known for his restless intense eyes, brings life to the shifty Jacques, constantly balancing between the eerie calm and sudden outburst, while Reed’s rugged charm encapsulates Dave’s raw and intimidating demeanor perfectly.
Nicol Williamson's Bones also leaves a significant impression, candidly portraying an intelligent and patient man facing the terror of the events. The film benefits from the depth and layers that he provides to his character. He is calm, composed, shrewd, and someone who likes to remain a step ahead of everyone.
Venom serves to be an engaging and suspense-filled movie that promises an unexpected blend of a crime thriller and wildlife horror, where the real danger comes not from a human but a beast that is considered the deadliest snakes in the world. The film's hysteria is fueled by this central scenario, effectively using the claustrophobic setting, clever screenplay, and the talent of a skilled cast to provide a captivating cinematic experience.
In conclusion, Venom combines masterful direction, engaging performances, and a truly original, tight-as-a-drum suspense plot with a unique twist. The film is a must-watch for audiences who appreciate tension-filled narratives driven as much by human psychology as by external threats, expertly carried by an irreplaceable cast, and unforgettable moments that will keep you glued to your seat.
Venom is a Horror, Thriller movie released in 1981. It has a runtime of 93 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 5.8..
How to Watch Venom
Where can I stream Venom movie online? Venom is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Amazon Prime, FlixFling, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, Apple TV, Amazon, Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Venom for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.