Movies
Horror fans looking for a killer-animal thriller can now watch a film from the early 2000s starring the late actor Treat Williams for free.
Released straight-to-video in 2002, Venomous is now available to watch on Shout! Studios’ official YouTube channel in up to 1080p high definition. The disaster horror film was directed by cult filmmaker Fred Olen Ray, credited as Ed Raymond, from a screenplay by Dan Golden and Sean McGinly.
Alongside Williams, the movie features Marc McClure, best known for playing Jimmy Olsen across the original Superman film franchise from 1978 to 1987, as well as the 1984 spin-off Supergirl. McClure plays Dr. Dutton in the film.
Check out Venomous for free via the YouTube embed below.
What is Venomous with Treat Williams about?
The plot kicks off when a covert military operation breaches a secret desert research laboratory. This unexpected raid accidentally releases genetically altered rattlesnakes into the surrounding wilderness. These lethal reptiles breed and multiply in secret over the following years.
Seismic activity eventually drives the snakes to the surface near the fictional town of Santa Mira Springs, California. They begin biting residents, spreading a deadly virus that can pass from infected victims to healthy people.
Williams plays Dr. David Henning, one of the local physicians trying to contain the outbreak. He works alongside Dr. Christine Edmonton Henning, played by Mary Page Keller, and Dr. Eric Foreman, played by Hannes Jaenicke. As more residents become infected, the medical team races to find a way to stop the disease from spreading.
However, the crisis extends beyond the snake attacks. The military places Santa Mira Springs under quarantine, while officials attempt to keep the truth about the virus and the laboratory’s past hidden. The doctors must find a solution as the town faces an escalating emergency.
The ensemble supporting cast includes Geoff Pierson, Catherine Dent, Lee de Broux, and Brian Poth. The film was produced by Alison Semenza and Jim Wynorski, credited as Noble Henry.
Carrying a PG-13 rating and a runtime of 97 minutes, Venomous offers B-movie enthusiasts a nostalgic feature to stream online.