Contagion

4 stars

Rating: PG
Stars: Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Matt Damon, Marion Cotillard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Laurence Fishburne



A mysterious virus threatens the well-being of the entire human race in this frighteningly realistic sci-fi thriller.

 
What’s the story?
It all begins with Beth Emhoff's (Paltrow) return from a business trip to Hong Kong. After she dies inexplicably, her unknown illness is spread at a frightening pace. The Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization are quick to send out employees to investigate the epidemic status of the disease. Meanwhile, Mitch (Damon), Beth’s husband, fights to protect his teenage daughter from the virus, and Allen (Law), an Internet blogger, investigates possible cures and a government conspiracy.
 
Why see it?
The film is eerie in that the panic that ensues after the beginning of the epidemic resembles events that have happened in real life (SARS, H1N1, and bird flu come to mind). In addition, the way that the characters are portrayed paints a very convincing, while not very flattering, portrait of humanity in a time of great stress. Contagion is both an entertaining story and a warning for the future. It is a meticulously planned movie featuring brilliant performances from its all-star cast. 

 
Problems:
At times, the movie covers too many stories at once. While it makes a very good effort of illustrating different situations happening around the world, these situations sometimes lack the depth and insight they would have if the story weren’t jumping from place to place. At the close of the movie, viewers might feel that certain stories have not been resolved - there are simply too many open endings.

All in all:
A great movie that is pertinent to not only today, but will also be relevant for years to come.