An American anthropologist, Dr. Allen, travels to Haiti in search of discovering the mystery of zombification in the hopes that whatever drug or substance causes it could be used for medical purposes. He soon discovers that a mysterious drug, known only to a select few, is being used to turn people into the living dead. It's victims are alive, but show no vital signs and are routinely pronounced dead, and buried.
But as Dr. Allen's investigation begins to unravel a sinister web of murder and corruption, he attracts the unwanted attention of the ton ton macoute, Haitian dictator "Baby Doc" Duvalier's secret police. Now his quest for answers leaves him in serious danger of becoming one of the very zombies he has come to investigate.
In light of Haiti's former murderous dictator's shocking return to the country this week, it seemed appropriate to re-watch and review this Wes Craven classic. The movie has an element of documentary to it in that it deals with a particularly dark period in the history of Haiti, the dictatorship of the Duvalier family. Real footage of the revolution which threw Baby Doc out of power is even included towards the end. On the other hand, without being any sort of expert on Haitian culture or religious beliefs, the movie obviously sensationalizes many aspects of that culture and of voodoo in order to up the shock factor for the films North American audience. Realistic? I'm thinking not so much. If any of the religions that are considered mainstream in North America were represented in this way in a film there would be uproar.
The Serpent and the Rainbow does, however, boast decent acting throughout and reasonable effects, make up, etc. for its time. But this is not your average blood and guts, face-paced, action packed zombie movie. It's more of a zombie drama of sorts. A decent watch, just don't expect Dawn of the Dead.
3 zombie brides out of 5
Rated R for violence/gore, nudity, frightening scenes.
Watch the Serpent and the Rainbow trailer.
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