It's a Mother#*$@ing! love story!
I really wasn't sure what to expect going into this movie. While the trailer will undoubtedly gain your curiosity it doesn't explain much to potential viewers.
Black Snake Moan is a "unique" love story about a young southern couple whose relationship gets put to the test when Ronnie (Justin Timberlake) heads off to the Army. While they promise each other that they will do their best to stay together, Rae (Christina Ricci) has a tough time dealing with Ronnie's departure- to say the least.
After a party at a friend's house Rae is intoxicated when Ronnie's good friend Gill offers her a ride home. On the way home Gill tries to take advantage of Rae. After Rae fights off Gills attempt he leaves her bloodied and bruised on the side of a remote road.
Meanwhile Lazarus (Samuel L. Jackson) is dealing with the fact that his wife has left him to be with his younger brother. Distrought after this ordeal Lazarus heads back to his remote southern home. After taking out the garbage one morning Lazarus notices Rae unconscious on the side of the road. He then takes her into his home to try and help her recover.
After helping nurse Rae back to health, Lazarus soon gets a shock when he discovers that Rae is a Nymphomaniac. Determined to help her make something of her life and stop her evil ways he decides chain her up inside his home to help keep her under control and help rehabilitate her.
What follows is a very strange story of Rae and Lazarus' friendship which eventually leads to Rae's redemption after she faces her demons. The plot thickens when Ronnie returns home and is faced with the truth about his sweetheart Rae.
The cast and director Craig Brewer keep the film interesting regardless of the outrageous plot. While I was concerned that Samuel L. Jackson was further attempting to sabatoge his career after Snakes on a Plane, I actually enjoyed his character. Lazarus is a good combination of a broken man who has suffered hearthache as well as a man that's trying to make something of his small-town life.
I've read some reviews that claim the film is "Vulgar and salacious" as well as a ridiculous story. While I really can't argue with these statements, I can't also can't deny that the film is really quite entertaining in a very odd way. Mother#*$@ing! Samuel L. fans will be pleased. Otherwise, if you're looking for a really strange twist on a love story Black Snake Moan is your ticket.