While conducting an archaeological dig on a rural English farm, Scottish student Angus Flint (Peter Capaldi) uncovers a mysterious reptilian skull. The discovery appears connected to the local legend of the D’Ampton Worm, an enormous serpent supposedly slain centuries earlier by an ancestor of aristocrat James D’Ampton (Hugh Grant).

Soon the seductive and decidedly sinister Lady Sylvia Marsh (Amanda Donohoe) arrives on the scene, displaying an unusual interest in the discovery—and in the young people living nearby. As disappearances and increasingly bizarre events accumulate, Angus and James begin to suspect that the ancient legend may be considerably more than folklore.

“Not a worm is left unturned in Ken Russell’s buoyant, mischievous and predictably overwrought new film.”
— Janet Maslin, The New York Times

“Director Ken Russell is at his kinky best.”
— Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune

“The particulars of Russell’s imagination are delightfully outrageous.”
— Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune