The Serpent

The Serpent is an electrifying and sinister crime series that unraveled the true face of a notorious serial killer in the 1970s and enthralled a global audience in 2021 on Netflix. Painting an intricate picture of a sickeningly suave yet deadly master of disguise, the show dives into the horrifying exploits of conman and multiple murderer, Charles Sobhraj. The 8-part mini-series co-produced by British television network BBC and Netflix provides a gripping narrative of a dark chapter in global crime history.

The series is set against the backdrop of the so-called 'hippie trail,' a popular tourist route in the 1970s that extends from Europe, through the Middle East, and ends in South-East Asia. The infamous 'Bikini Killer,' Charles Sobhraj, along with his enigmatic partner Marie-Andrée Leclerc, traversed this route, exploiting and brutally murdering young, wide-eyed travelers seeking adventure and spiritual enlightenment.

The chilling retelling of events in The Serpent begins in 1975 in Bangkok, Thailand. Throughout the series, audiences acquaint themselves with the man who was arguably one of the most enigmatic and terrifying figures in contemporary crime. Sobhraj, whose crimes spanned various countries across Asia, managed to remain elusive by adopting aliases, manipulating passports, and turning charm into his deadliest weapon.

This tale of murder and deceit is given life through a stirring performance by Tahar Rahim as Charles Sobhraj and a convincing portrayal of his accomplice and lover, Marie-Andrée Leclerc, by Jenna Coleman. The Serpent intensifies its thrilling plotline by incorporating riveting side stories, each associated with one of Sobhraj's victims, creating a disturbingly multi-dimensional narrative on crime, its victims, and its perpetrators.

Public attention is also drawn towards Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg, portrayed by Billy Howle. Knippenberg accidentally comes across Sobhraj's crimes when he starts investigating the disappearance of a Dutch couple. Despite no background in criminal investigation, Knippenberg shows a textbook display of dogged determination and resilience in his pursuit of justice. The storyline follows Herman and his wife Angela, played by Ellie Bamber, as they ingeniously piece together clues leading to Sobhraj, without much help from any official quarter.

The show manufacturers a narrative stuffed with tension as it oscillates between Sobhraj's lifestyle filled with glamour and terror, and the relentless pursuit of him by the Knippenbergs. It introduces a breathtaking insight into a criminal mind and the devastating impact it holds over its victims.

The screenplay is layered with suspense and exotic locales, adding a layer of captivating aesthetics to an otherwise horrifying narrative. As the series unfolds, it incorporates a complex web of manipulation, betrayal, and mind games. Through compelling performances and a story that constantly keeps audiences on their toes, The Serpent masterfully delves into the life of a merciless predator who used the allure of the Eastern 'hippie trail' to stage his cruel games.

Despite its grim and explicit content, The Serpent is an alluring watch due to its exquisite production quality and storytelling finesse. The interplay of vivid, deeply saturated hues, against the backdrop of the 70s, makes the visuals feel ethereal yet unsettling.

In essence, The Serpent is a ghastly, vivid, and intricately woven story of crime and justice. It tells the story of a murderer who used charm as a weapon and a diplomat who gave everything to bring him to justice. Brilliant performances coupled with a riveting storyline and exceptional production make The Serpent a flexing demonstration of artistry within the true crime genre. The show is not merely a grisly tale of a serial killer but demonstrates the power of perseverance and the pursuit of justice. Yet it decisively spots and unpacks the malevolence that could dwell behind a façade of charm and sophistication.