The new sci-fi thriller “Contagion”, rated PG-13, does not disappoint, but it is not for the weak of heart. The movie is about a virus that spreads around the world and kills a massive number of people. If you are looking for a movie that is all action and gory scenes, then seek elsewhere. If you would enjoy a film that freaks you out because it could actually happen, then this is it.
The movie came out Sept. 9 and has been infecting people ever since. The angle is unique. The writer (Scott Z. Burns) takes you through a story of how the world would react if a pandemic broke out. It’s scary to think about because a virus that is transmitted by human contact is more than unavoidable. It’s realistic.
The first characters the story follows are a married couple Beth and Mitch Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow, “Iron Man,” and Matt Damon, “The Adjustment Bureau”). It is evident an illness is present with Beth, and from there it starts to spread.
A journalist, Alan Krumwiede (Jude Law, “Sherlock Holmes”), notices that something strange is going on when he comes across a video of a man convulsing on a bus. The Centers for Disease Control gets wind of a trend of people who are getting sick and dying in clusters around the globe. Dr. Ellis Cheever (Laurence Fishburne, “The Matrix”) has the task of figuring out what is going on, getting a vaccination made and telling the public without causing panic. He has the help of Dr. Erin Mears (Kate Winslet, “Finding Neverland”) who is out in the field dealing with the infected, trying to get information about the sickness and fighting not to be infected herself. The web of characters plays out beautifully. These are strong actors, and the plot is engaging and entertaining, but I caution that some scenes will make your stomach turn. I don’t suggest it as a first-date movie.
The plot is quick, which I enjoy. There is a lot of information to work with, but you stay well informed of where you are in the plot.
The movie is well made. Some of the camera techniques may cause a little wooziness with quick cuts, but it keeps the story going. It adds to the suspense and caused me to become tense with new scenes and information unfolding. The movie plays much like a news story presenting pieces of the plot as they come out in the timeline.
The music sets the mood for the entire film. There aren’t many scenes showing panic or mass chaos, but the music keeps your heart rate elevated, which I appreciated about the film. Instead of trying to show computer effects, the makers used simple techniques to keep you intrigued, as good storytelling should.
I have to say that I enjoyed the movie, but have no plans to watch it again. It is too realistic, and that just scares me.
