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The Serpent: A Netflix series that brings the unimaginable to life

A Snake Like No Other

Sometimes, we find ourselves mesmerized by something or someone—whether out of admiration, love, or manipulation. That’s the gamble Netflix took when it released the series *The Serpent* on April 2, 2021. Meanwhile, the series had already premiered on the BBC on January 1, 2021. You might think it’s a documentary. In fact, this British miniseries isn’t about the reptile, but about a serial killer named Charles Sobhraj.

 

Like a reptile, Sobhraj builds a sense of trust before insidiously luring his various victims into his trap. The Netflix original series stars Tahar Rahim as the killer who terrorized the 1970s. The series was produced in collaboration with the BBC in the United Kingdom.

Synopsis

*The Serpent* tells the story of a man who may seem quite ordinary at first glance, but who actually has more than one trick up his sleeve when it comes to killing his victims. He presents himself as a gemstone dealer. Meanwhile, a diplomat named Herman Knippenberg is conducting a criminal investigation into the couple in order to bring them to trial and seek justice for the victims of Charles Sobhraj’s various murders. In fact, Sobhraj is also aided by his accomplice and lover, Marie-Andrée Leclerc. In addition, another accomplice named Ajay Chowdhury joins the group. Chowdhury focuses on scouting out victims, who are usually found in bars.  However, it turns out that  capturing them is easier said than done in this psychological thriller inspired by true events.

Casting

The lead role is played by Tahar Rahim as the Serpent. Did you know he was nominated for a Golden Globe for this role? He is best known in France for his roles in numerous feature films, such as Jacques Audiard’s A Prophet, Rebecca Zlotowski’s Grand Central, and Éric Toledano’s Samba. As a result, this role marked his big break on the international stage, since the series is nothing less than one of the most popular shows currently on Netflix.

 

The role of the killer's fiancée is played by Jenna Coleman, who is best known for her roles in the highly acclaimed television series Doctor Who and Victoria. She will be completely captivated by her husband, who rounds out an impressive cast in this highly unconventional couple of serial killers.

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1. Sources on Production and Distribution

  • BBC Media Center: This is the official source confirming that the series is a co-production between BBC One and Netflix, as well as its original air date (January 2021 in the United Kingdom).

  • Netflix Newsroom: To confirm the global release date on the platform (April 2, 2021) and the miniseries' international viewership success.

2. Biographical Sources (The True Story)

  • The Guardian & The Independent (Archives): These British newspapers published in-depth reports on the real Charles Sobhraj, nicknamed "The Serpent" or "The Bikini Killer," detailing his crimes along the "hippie trail" in the 1970s.

  • Paris Match (Archives): A valuable source for details about Marie-Andrée Leclerc from Quebec, her encounter with Sobhraj in Thailand, and her controversial involvement in his criminal activities.

  • Neville, R., & Clarke, J. (1979). *The Life and Crimes of Charles Sobhraj*: This is the definitive work (an authorized biography that was later disputed) that served as the primary basis for the series' screenplay.

3. Sources on Distribution (Stakeholders)

  • AlloCiné / IMDb: To verify Tahar Rahim's filmography (A Prophet, Samba) and his nominations (including Golden Globe nominations for this specific role).

  • British Film Institute (BFI): For information on Jenna Coleman's career and her transition from cult series like *Doctor Who* to more dramatic roles.

  • Gemini: Information about Tahar Rahim, who was nominated for a Golden Globe. 

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