A Modern Pandemic Horror Story!
As the world deals with the coronavirus crisis, many are pointing to a 2011 film that offered an eerily similar story:
The Prescient “Contagion!”
My “Cult Movie Monday” takes a look at Director Steven Soderbergh’s chilling story of a worldwide pandemic: how it spread, and what it took to find a vaccine to cure it.
Here’s the plot of “Contagion:”
Healthcare professionals, government officials and everyday people find themselves in the midst of a worldwide epidemic as the CDC works to find a cure.
First, check out the trailer:
The film has an incredible cast, including five Oscar winners: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard, and Director Soderbergh; plus five Oscar nominees as well: Laurence Fishburne, Elliott Gould, John Hawkes, Jude Law and Bryan Cranston.
A terrific cast at the top of their game in this compelling medical thriller. You see how random events can spread a deadly virus long before we realize we are doing it, and how we react to the outbreak.
The film was praised for its accurate portrayal of a pandemic. In New Scientist Magazine’s article “Contagion doesn’t skimp on science”(15/9/2011), the author writes that:
“It’s hard to name many Hollywood blockbusters that are as invested in the realities of science as Contagion”, “Although it is by no means flawlessly accurate – it’s not a NOVA documentary – Contagion has been well fact-checked compared to most science/y blockbusters”, “…very few Hollywood productions realistically portray the process of science, both its successes and frustrations. That’s what makes Contagion unique”.
It’s a great film, and a prescient one as well…
The film is available to rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and many other streaming services. That said, if the subject matter is too disturbing for you right now, there are plenty of other terrific Soderbergh films to watch instead, like these:
Check out these movies, and so many more of Soderbergh’s great films, by clicking on my story here:
If you like these stories, why not sign up to receive emails whenever I post? It’s easy to do, I do NOT collect any information about you at all, there are absolutely NO ads of any kind, just stories about movies, music, books, food, travel and pop culture…
You can sign up by clicking on my blog here and see the note on the right!
Sign on for daily stories delivered right to your inbox!
Categories: Academy Awards, Action Films, Books / Media, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Hollywood, Movies, Politics, Pop Culture, Steven Soderbergh, Talent/Celebrities, Technology
johnrieber 
I’ve been wanting to watch it, but I think I’ll wait a bit 🤣
I’ve just started a new blog about activities, songs and crafts for kids. Go check it out when you can, thanks!
https://misschristinathepreschoolteacher.wordpress.com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s terrific! Yes, it’s not going to put you in a better mood, but the film at least shows how we can overcome the crisis!
LikeLike
Definitely eerie how similar that movie is to our current plight! We watched that and Outbeak recently. I find those movies oddly comforting to see the depictions and realize we will get through this!
LikeLike
I was talking with my son about the film and how reality often imitates fiction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And the film was an accurate depiction of the spread – and cure – of a virus….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great choice John. I’m staying away from all movies like this right now though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, it has a happy ending – it does show how a cure is possible if we all stay focused! That said, I understand if its not the kind of film you’d want to watch right now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe this movie has become a lot more popular recently, John. People have a weird fascination with scaring themselves to death. I read The Stand, that is enough for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Robbie, that is much worse, at least Contagion has a light at the end of the tunnel…The Stand? Not so much! Thanks as always for commenting, hope all is well!
LikeLike
Hi John, Michael is quite sick at the moment but everyone else is fine. We have COVID-19 panic here too. No toilet paper or hand sanitizer to be found anywhere. Stay safe and well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope he gets better soon!
LikeLike
I must see that movie!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved that movie! Now even more telling
LikeLike
Yes, that’s why I loved your post about seeing the beauty around you no matter what is going on in the world!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks –
LikeLike