‘Contagion’ is a genuine mix between being a thriller and a docu-disaster movie that is gorgeously shot and skillfully directed by Steven Soderbergh. It enjoys an all-star cast but the main star is the virus that hits our globalised world with a vengeance and makes short work of millions in no time at all. Yes, ‘Contagion’ speaks to one of humanity’s greatest fears - an out of control viral infection - and just like ‘Jaws’ left thousands fearing to go into the water again, ‘Contagion’ will leave you viewing those who cough and splutter at the airport with more than the usual suspicion.
High-flying businesswomen (Gwyneth Paltrow) returns from Hong Kong via an illicit liaison in Chicago. She quickly succumbs to a killer bug she picked up in the East leaving a trail of infectious devastation behind her. Husband (Matt Damon) is left grieving while a team of high-IQ scientists (Laurence Fishburne, Elliott Gould, Kate Winslet and Marion Cotillard) desperately try to find a cure in time to save the world. There is also a conspiracy theory thrown in for good measure with blogger Alan Krumwiede (Jude Law) gaining an audience of millions with his belief that the government’s ties with drug companies is preventing a safe, cheap and natural cure being used.
‘Contagion’ is by no means the first big-budget film about a rampant infectious outbreak, but it is definitely one of the most realistic. Yes, it follows the traditional protocols of techno-thrillers, with subtitles keeping count: Day 2, Hong Kong etc, but seems more compelling because it is such a controlled look at an out-of-control event. Since the virus is the main actor in a cast of stars, this means the characters seem a little undeveloped. which could be the reason some have found ‘Contagion’ a little flat.
Three and a half stars out of five. It is fascinating to see how in our deeply interconnected and globalised world, just how quickly it would be possible for a freak virus to cause global havoc.
Rated PG-13 (for disturbing content and some language).