Synopsis
Barbara and Mike Stanton, a middle-aged, African-American couple, endure the stresses of a strained marriage. When one of them visits the doctor for a routine examination, the couple receives news that alters their relationship forever.
Director's Statement
Compliments of the Serpent aims to increase HIV and AIDS awareness while provoking discussions about the disease’s effect on the Black community. According to CDC data, while African-Americans are only 13 percent of the U.S. population, they account for over 50 percent of the estimated 40,000 new HIV infections each year. In addition, Black senior citizens represent more than 50 percent of HIV cases among persons older than 55.
Director/producer Canella Williams felt compelled to tell a tale that would explore various themes: marital betrayal, communication issues, woeful ignorance regarding one’s own health, coping with the news of a life-terminating disease. What leads to the breakdown and deterioration of a marriage? How does a spouse fail to see signs of deception? Can a marriage recover from betrayal? These are questions that Compliments of the Serpent poses.
"I wanted to show a side of an older, married couple that we don't usually see in films. There's a terrible secret in the Stanton household and it's not something you would ever expect. You know right from the start that this couple has problems, but you never expect that it could be that bad. In essence, this film is about honesty."
"The global AIDS epidemic grows while researchers continue to search for a cure. I hope that Compliments of the Serpent will encourage the viewer to examine their sexual relationships and get tested to know their HIV status."
