Venom (1981)

Directors: Piers Haggard, Tobe Hooper

Starring: Klaus Kinski, Oliver Reed, Nicol Williamson, Susan George

Terrorists in the process of kidnapping a child get trapped in a house with an extremely deadly snake.

Young Philip Hopkins keeps exotic pets. When he orders a harmless house snake but receives a venomous Black Mamba by mistake, all hell is about to break loose. Terrorists who seize control of the house with the help of the maid, are up against more than they bargained for.

Susan George stars as the maid, Louise, and Oliver Reed is the family chauffeur Dave. Together with Jacmel (Klaus Kinski) they plan to take Philip hostage for ransom of $1 million. With Philip’s parents away on business and only his grandfather home, the trio of criminals pull off their plan. But their plan goes horribly wrong when they find themselves up against the Black Mamba.

Following up on the matter of the wrong snake the boy received, a policeman is fatally wounded by Dave. Now, Commander William Bulloch must negotiate with Jacmel to ensure the boy’s safety, and calls in toxicologist Dr Marion Stowe (Sarah Miles) to be on standby with an anti-venom.

I enjoyed the way the film respected every single character – even the ones in very small roles. I also enjoyed Commander William, who was a rather nice character. Apart from the horror element, the film also serves as a hostage drama.

There are moments here when you’re probably going to raise your feet off the floor onto the couch! Apparently a real black mamba was used for the film. Nowadays, it would have been a CGI snake. I really enjoyed this film, and the realism thanks to the real snake.

Would I watch it again? Yes.