Writer: Lester Gan Wai Lun

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: “The Invasion" and "12 Monkeys"

"Contagion" directed by Steven Soderbergh bears a story about the spread of a deadly virus that eventually turns out to be a worldwide pandemic, ending countless lives. It is written so well to the point that it's extremely believable, as if witnessing the beginning of the "bird flu" virus that we all know of.

The film starts on day two when Gwyneth Paltrow as Beth Emhoff complains to her husband (Matt Damon) that she has the cold. The virus is then on the loose as she pays for her drink through her credit card to the bartender. A few days later, she is dead in the ER. Eventually the agents of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) are desperately working together in the battle to contain the said virus.

Great performance by the cast members can be expected, Kate Winslett plays a brave Epidemic Intelligence Service officer looking for clues about how the virus started, she did it so well that this could be one of her best work yet. Matt Damon's character is just the unfortunate average joe affected by this virus, but no one would better fit the part.

The plot unfolds brilliantly, tracking back to every aspect of the virus. It portrays life in a pandemic situation, on how people would react? How did it start? How can they stop it? It is scary to believe that something like this could be a possible scenario in our lives.

With that said, this film is more than just a thriller, it's one that will leave its audience staring at anyone who starts coughing or have a minor cold. Moviegoers are guaranteed to have their money's worth.

Cinema Online, 06 September 2011