Film of the Day: "Poison" — Benedict Cumberbatch vs. Venomous Snake

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"Poison" — a Netflix short film based on Roald Dahl's story, where Benedict Cumberbatch proves that all he needs to do is lie in bed and stay silent to keep us glued to the screen.

What the film is about

The plot is simple and frighteningly specific: in colonial India, British officer Harry Pope (Cumberbatch) wakes up with the feeling that a venomous snake is sleeping under his blanket on his stomach.

Inspector Woods (Dev Patel) calls for a doctor. Dr. Ganderbai (Ben Kingsley) arrives, and together they try to extract the snake without killing Harry prematurely.

Viewing experience

For the first half, the film grips you like a solid thriller: every sound is a threat, every movement a risk. Cumberbatch acts purely with his face: his sweaty forehead, clenched teeth, and wide-open eyes paint a picture of internal panic better than any words could.
Actor Benedict Cumberbatch in gray pajamas standing on a bed
Scenes from the film "Poison"
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In contrast to this tense pseudo-calm, Kingsley and Patel's characters bring bustle and noise into the frame.

All the action fits into seventeen minutes — but there's so much restrained tension, nervous panic, and poison in them, which, as it turns out, isn't in the snake at all, but in the people.

Critics and audience reaction

On Rotten Tomatoes — 94% from critics. On IMDb — 6.8. But the numbers aren't what matters here: it's the feeling that lingers.

One viewer under the handle masonsaul nailed it: "At first it seems amusing, but in the final minutes it becomes much darker, with an ending designed to leave a lasting impression."
"Poison" film trailer
Many praise the acting, especially and Patel. They praise the visuals: everything's shot in Wes Anderson's signature style, with symmetry, pastel colors, and perfectly composed frames. Only this time, the style doesn't soften but amplifies the anxiety.

"Poison" isn't about the snake. It's about us. And about what can crawl out at the most unexpected moment. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com covered the film "Sorry Baby" — a tender tragicomedy about how to survive when living doesn't work out.