Watch The Serpent

The Serpent is a French thriller film directed by Eric Barbier, first released in 2006. The film stars Yvan Attal, Clovis Cornillac, and Pierre Richard as the main cast. The story is set in post-World War II France, in the year 1947. Charles and Avril are two ex-resistance fighters who've formed a partnership. They work as con artists, swindling the rich elite by posing as fortune tellers. Charles, who is originally from Poland, lost his entire family to Nazi extermination camps, and Avril is a young and ambitious orphan searching for adventure.

One day, a former Nazi officer, Hermann, approaches them seeking their help. He offers them 100,000 francs to find a girl named Vera, the only person who can prove his innocence in war crimes. Charles and Avril agree to the deal, and the hunt for Vera begins.

As they dig deeper into Vera's past, they discover that she was part of a group of Jewish children who were smuggled out of the concentration camps by a man named Arthur. However, Vera has since disappeared, and nobody knows where she is. As Charles and Avril get closer to uncovering the truth, they realize that they're being followed by a mysterious and dangerous figure known only as "The Serpent."

The plot of The Serpent is intriguing and full of surprises, as it keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The film is not only a thriller but also explores the effects of World War II on the people of France. The characters are multi-dimensional, and their backstories add depth to the film's plot.

The acting in the movie was excellent, with Yvan Attal giving a standout performance as Charles. He portrays Charles as a jaded and cynical man who's been through a lot in life. Clovis Cornillac's portrayal of Avril is also noteworthy, as he manages to convey the character's ambition and naivety in a convincing manner. Pierre Richard, who played the role of Arthur, offered a nuanced performance that added to the film's overall realism.

The film's cinematography was well done, with the use of dark, gloomy colors setting the tone for the movie's serious subject matter. The camera work was excellent as well, with scenes shot in various locations across France. In particular, the scenes of the countryside added to the film's atmosphere, with the serene environment contrasting with the characters' grim quest.

Overall, The Serpent is a gripping thriller that explores themes of trauma, conspiracy, and revenge. The story is well-crafted, the acting is top-notch, and the cinematography is excellent. The film keeps the audience engaged, and the tension builds up to an exciting climax. Anyone looking for an excellent dramatic thriller with a historical setting will enjoy this movie.

The Serpent is a 2006 thriller. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.