THE ESSEX SERPENT

Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston, inset, star in this period drama based on Sarah Perry’s bestselling novel.

Set in Victorian England, it follows London widow Cora Seaborne (Danes) who moves to Essex to investigate reports of a mythical serpent. She loves natural history and science and is desperate to find out more about this monstrous flying serpent that is terrifying the local community.

She meets Will (Hiddleston) the local pastor who is determined to spread the word that this so-called serpent is not real. But is he right?

Cora forms a surprising bond of science and scepticism with Will, but when tragedy strikes, locals accuse her of attracting the creature. The opening double bill will hook you in.