The Serpent's Kiss Poster

The Serpent's Kiss 1997

★ 5.421 votes104 min📅 1997-05-14

"Revenge has never been so sweet."

In Philippe Rousselot's visually lush period drama *The Serpent's Kiss* (1997), a tale of obsession and revenge unfolds against the backdrop of a lavish 17th-century garden.

Director: Philippe Rousselot

Cast

Ewan McGregor
Ewan McGregor
Meneer Chrome
Greta Scacchi
Greta Scacchi
Juliana
Richard E. Grant
Richard E. Grant
James Fitzmaurice
Carmen Chaplin
Carmen Chaplin
Thea / Anna
Pete Postlethwaite
Pete Postlethwaite
Thomas Smith
Donal McCann
Donal McCann
Physician
Gerard McSorley
Gerard McSorley
Mr. Galmoy
Charley Boorman
Charley Boorman
Secretary
Pat Laffan
Pat Laffan
Pritchard
Britta Smith
Mrs. Galmoy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Serpent's Kiss (1997) about?

This 1997 period drama follows an architect hired to design a spectacular garden, unaware he's being manipulated into ruining a rival's fortune. The plot twists into a tale of love, betrayal, and a vengeful scheme that spirals into tragedy. Think of it as a dark fairy tale where ambition and desire collide.

Who directed The Serpent's Kiss?

Philippe Rousselot, an acclaimed cinematographer-turned-director, helmed *The Serpent's Kiss*. Known for his visually striking work, Rousselot crafts a film where every frame feels like a painting.

Who stars in The Serpent's Kiss?

The film features Ewan McGregor as the architect, Greta Scacchi in a pivotal role as the object of obsession, and Richard E. Grant as the vengeful antagonist, alongside Pete Postlethwaite and Carmen Chaplin.

Is The Serpent's Kiss (1997) worth watching?

While it may not be widely known, *The Serpent's Kiss* (1997) offers a unique blend of period drama and psychological tension. Its strong performances, particularly from McGregor and Scacchi, and lush cinematography make it a rewarding watch for fans of character-driven stories with a twist. Not a blockbuster, but a gem for discerning viewers.

How long is The Serpent's Kiss?

The Serpent's Kiss (1997) runs for 104 minutes, just shy of two hours—perfect for a focused, immersive experience without overstaying its welcome.

🎥 Trailer

About The Serpent's Kiss (1997) — A Lavish Period Drama of Revenge and Obsession

In Philippe Rousselot's visually lush period drama *The Serpent's Kiss* (1997), a tale of obsession and revenge unfolds against the backdrop of a lavish 17th-century garden. Ewan McGregor stars as the architect lured into a treacherous scheme by a vengeful suitor, who tasks him with designing an extravagant landscape to financially ruin the husband of a lost love. Greta Scacchi and Richard E. Grant deliver standout performances as the central trio, their chemistry steeped in simmering tension and betrayal. The film masterfully blends romance and drama, its opulent cinematography mirroring the characters' moral decay. With themes of manipulation, unrequited passion, and the destructive power of grudges, *The Serpent's Kiss* (1997) is a sumptuous yet morally complex exploration of human folly. The story's slow-burning suspense and gothic undertones make it a captivating watch for fans of period pieces with a twist.

Set in a world where beauty and decadence hide darker motives, this underrated gem showcases Rousselot's flair for atmospheric storytelling. McGregor's brooding intensity and Scacchi's haunting elegance anchor the narrative, while the sprawling gardens become a metaphor for both creation and destruction. The film's title hints at its venomous core, where revenge simmers beneath polished surfaces. Ideal for viewers craving a fusion of historical drama and psychological intrigue, *The Serpent's Kiss* (1997) lingers long after the credits roll.