Premiered during the 83rd Venice International Film FestivalThe Serpent's Caress (2026)
Sofia is an enigmatic and ambiguous actress, trapped in a toxic relationship with a young colleague.
When she receives a screenplay about an ancient matriarchal community ruled by a witch who demands human sacrifices, Sofia realizes that her origins are inextricably linked to that story.
The boundaries between past and present begin to dissolve, transforming reality into a timeless nightmare in which Sofia must confront her own dark side.
ARTISTIC CAST
Sofia
SAMANTHA CASELLA
Strega Suprema
LAURA TROTTER
Kirsi
GINA ROSE PIERI
Licaone
BRUNO BILOTTA
Manager
FRANCESCA RETTONDINI
Cartomante / Sensitiva
VANESSA MARINI
Denise
BARBARA BOVOLI
Nix
ANGELA TUCCA
Dioniso
VINCENZO AMOROSO
Monaco – Barista
ROBERTO RIZZONI
Purificatrice
ROSSELLA AMBROSINI
TECHNICAL CAST
Production Company
THE SHADOWS FACTORY
Directed by
SAMANTHA CASELLA
Written by
SAMANTHA CASELLA
Story by
SAMANTHA CASELLA
Cinematographer
SAMANTHA CASELLA
Original Score
KIM & KATHRYN KLUGE
Production Designer
CLAUDIA DREI
Edited by
PAOLA MERISI
Costume Designer
ROBIN STEWART
Sound Design – Mix
DINO GERVASONI
Sound
GIANMARCO GRAZIANI
Foley
ALVARO APARICIO
Visual Effects
GIOVANNI FERUGLIO
Special Effects
CAROLINE HUFNAGEL
Props Design
MICHAEL WELLS
Makeup Artist – Hair Stylist
CLAUDIA RIGHINI
Year
2026
Genre
DRAMA – SURREAL
Art Works
CRISTIAN CIMATTI
CLAUDIA DREI (after)
MARTINO NERI
FEDERICO SEVERINO
GIOVANNI SCARDOVI