Thoughts on the Short Film Poison (2023)

Wes Anderson concludes his Netflix short film series with Poison, a scary and claustrophobic rendition of Roald Dahl's short but gripping tale. The film Poison, while very different from The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, shares three cast members.

I think it's a lovely way to wrap up the acclaimed director's four Roald Dahl short film adaptations on Netflix. But, of course, I did some research. I didn't realise both stories were set in India. In addition, in an interview with The New York Times, Anderson discussed how Satyajit Ray's cinema and India's colour-splashed heritage monuments, such as the Hawa Mahal, inspired so much of his visual style.

I admit I'm a little late in learning more about Wes Anderson. But it doesn't bother me. I'm having fun learning as I discover more and more of his works.

Poison

2023 | Maturity Rating:10+ | 17m | Dramas

A man discovers a poisonous snake asleep in his bed in this Roald Dahl adaptation from Wes Anderson's collection of four short films.

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley

My Thoughts

I am terrified of reptiles, particularly snakes. I would be grateful if someone did all in their power to save me. However, Benedict Cumberbatch's character, Harry Hope, exhibited the opposite.

Under the blankets, a snake (krait) has fallen asleep on Harry's stomach. This snake possesses a poison that can kill a man in three minutes unless he is given anti-venom right away. Harry was unkind when the other two characters tried their hardest to aid him. It's understandable to be pressured and say hurtful things out of fear and pressure. But when they discovered there was no snake at all, and the doctor speculated that perhaps there never was, Harry's tongue became as lethal as snake venom.

Poison exhibited a different type of poison. It demonstrated how toxic people can be, especially when one believes one is vastly superior to others. Harry is a venomous snake that rattles and sucks people's lives away. We don't want that type of person around us. I also hope we don't end up like him.