Hidden Gem Alert: Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi Unearthed in this Overlooked 80s Horror Flick
Unearth the hidden gem from 1988 as Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi team up in The Lair of the White Worm, a forgotten horror movie Dive into their captivating performances and explore their other notable roles
Highlights
The Lair of the White Worm is a hidden gem horror movie starring Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi, known for its absurdity and supernatural themes.
The film is loosely inspired by Bram Stoker's novel and follows the events of a quiet English village as it grapples with peculiar happenings that are deeply rooted in English folklore.
Although it may not adhere to traditional notions of fear, the movie garners much acclaim for its unusual elements and humorous undertones, establishing it as a cherished gem within the horror enthusiast community.
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Both Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi are well-known for their roles in the 2017 film Paddington 2, but their earlier collaboration is often overlooked. In 1988, Grant and Capaldi both played the lead roles in Ken Russell's The Lair of the White Worm, a supernatural horror movie that is famous for its extreme absurdity.
As Halloween approaches, many people will be adding The Lair of the White Worm to their must-watch list for October. While some consider it a Halloween classic, others find it simply bizarre. So, what exactly is The Lair of the White Worm about?
What Is The Lair of the White Worm About?
Directed by Ken Russell, The Lair of the White Worm takes loose inspiration from Bram Stoker's 1911 novel of the same name. While it may not have achieved the same level of fame as Dracula, the film still captures the essence of Stoker's love for gothic horror.
The story kicks off with an archaeologist stumbling upon a peculiar skull that bears a striking resemblance to a serpent. Little does he know, this discovery triggers the reawakening of an ancient and malevolent force. Consequently, a peaceful English village becomes plagued by a series of eerie and inexplicable events. Villagers mysteriously vanish, spinning a bone-chilling enigma deeply embedded in English folklore.
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Inspired by the legend of the Lambton Worm, The Lair of the White Worm tells the tale of John Lambton, who is determined to defeat a dragon-like creature terrorizing English villages. With the guidance of a local witch, Lambton embarks on a mission to kill the Worm. However, the witch warns him that he must also kill the first living thing he sees after slaying the creature to avoid a family curse. Despite successfully defeating the Worm, Lambton fails to follow the witch's instructions, and as a result, his family is cursed for nine generations. The Lair of the White Worm effectively incorporates these supernatural elements, creating an unsettling viewing experience.
While predominantly a horror film, The Lair of the White Worm also incorporates comedic elements. It takes a lighthearted approach and often parodies the gothic genre, highlighting the bizarre aspects of horror. Rather than relying on conventional scares, the movie's insanity is its standout feature. However, due to its quirky and absurd humor, The Lair of the White Worm received mixed reviews from critics upon its release.
What Did The Lair of the White Worm Score on Rotten Tomatoes?
The Lair of the White Worm has become a cult classic in the years following its release. With a commendable score of 69% on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has captured the hearts of horror enthusiasts who appreciate its humor and exaggerated storytelling.
Notably, Catherine Oxenberg and Amanda Donohoe star in the film, both of whom would later appear in another Ken Russell movie, The Rainbow. The inclusion of Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi, who were still establishing themselves in their acting careers at the time, adds an intriguing element to The Lair of the White Worm. Given their subsequent success as renowned stars, it is fascinating to witness their presence in this peculiar horror flick from the 80s.
What Are Hugh Grant’s Other Roles?
Hugh Grant is known for his roles in popular romantic comedies of the 90s and early 2000s. Some of his notable films include Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones' Diary, and Love Actually, where he portrayed the charismatic Prime Minister. He also starred in About a Boy, based on a novel by Nick Hornby, and portrayed Edward Ferras in the 1995 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. In Paddington's sequel, Paddington 2, Grant delivered a memorable performance as the villainous Phoenix Buchanan alongside Peter Capaldi. He recently appeared in the highly acclaimed film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves as Forge Fitzwilliam and is set to star alongside Timothée Chalamet as one of Willy Wonka's comedic Oompa-Loompas in the upcoming Wonka movie. Grant's impressive filmography has made him a household name.
What Are Peter Capaldi’s Other Roles?
Peter Capaldi is best known for his portrayal of the twelfth doctor in the beloved TV show Doctor Who. Taking over from Matt Smith, Capaldi held the role from 2013 to 2017, earning widespread recognition. His notable depiction of Malcolm Tucker in the British comedy series The Thick of It also garnered him the Best Male Comedy Performance award at the 2010 British Academy Television Awards.
Furthermore, Capaldi made a lasting impression as Mr. Curry in the successful Paddington films, released in 2014 and 2017, which received high praise from critics. In 2021, Capaldi made his debut in the DC Extended Universe as The Thinker in the movie The Suicide Squad. Additionally, Capaldi's performance in The Lair of the White Worm stands out as a hidden gem that should not be missed, further solidifying his status as a renowned actor.
