Embrace of the Serpent (2015)
Kernel Score: 85% · 495 ratings
Genres: Drama, Adventure
Released: 2015-05-25
Runtime: 125 minutes
Where to watch Embrace of the Serpent
- Stream: Philo, Night Flight Plus, OVID
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Fawesome, myfilmfriend, Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The epic story of the first contact, encounter, approach, betrayal and, eventually, life-transcending friendship, between Karamakate, an Amazonian shaman, last survivor of his people, and two scientists that, over the course of 40 years, travel through the Amazon in search of a sacred plant that can heal them. Inspired by the journals of the first explorers of the Colombian Amazon, Theodor Koch-Grunberg and Richard Evans Schultes.
Embrace of the Serpent parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Embrace of the Serpent explores colonization and indigenous culture with some mature themes.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes depictions of colonial violence and betrayal against indigenous peoples.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Embrace of the Serpent
If you liked Embrace of the Serpent, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Mission (1986) — 83%
- Walkabout (1971) — 82%
- Into the Wild (2007) — 89%
- Planet of the Apes (1968) — 86%
- Avatar (2009) — 86%
- 12th Fail (2023) — 89%
- Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) — 86%
- Rush (2013) — 85%
Director
Ciro Guerra
Cast
- Nilbio Torres as Karamakate (Young)
- Antonio Bolívar as Karamakate (Old)
- Jan Bijvoet as Theodor Koch-Grunberg
- Brionne Davis as Richard Evans Schultes
- Yauenkü Miguee as Manduca
- Luigi Sciamanna as The Missionary
- Nicolás Cancino as The Messiah
- Pediwake Daniel Martínez as Santiago
- José Sabogal as The Rubber Trapper
Embrace of the Serpent FAQ
Is Embrace of the Serpent good?
Embrace of the Serpent has an 85% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 495 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Embrace of the Serpent?
In the US you can stream Embrace of the Serpent on Philo, Night Flight Plus and OVID, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Fawesome, myfilmfriend, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Embrace of the Serpent OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Embrace of the Serpent explores colonization and indigenous culture with some mature themes.
What movies are like Embrace of the Serpent?
If you liked Embrace of the Serpent, try The Mission, Walkabout, Into the Wild and Planet of the Apes.