An archaeologist discovers a giant snake skull, which he believes is linked to an ancient legend of a monstrous worm. The skull is stolen by members of a sinister cult, who hope to resurrect the creature by performing a human sacrifice. Ken Russell's horror based on Bram Stoker's novel, starring Amanda Donohoe, Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi.

When an archaeologist uncovers a strange skull in a foreign land, the residents of a nearby town begin to disappear, leading to further inexplicable occurrences.