Hatchet reporter Arich Morales shares his latest movie obsession.

“Contagion” (2011)

It’s not hard to see why “Contagion” has evoked paranoia and inspired controversy. The disturbing realism behind the plot makes the film particularly captivating.

In “Contagion,” an unknown but volatile disease plagues the world, killing millions of people. It starts out with cold-like symptoms and eventually leads to violent seizures and death. The only way people can protect themselves is by wearing face masks and by avoiding any physical contact with other people. As Dr. Erin Mears (Kate Winslet) points out in the movie, however, human beings touch their faces 2,000 to 3,000 times a day on average and in between that time they are touching objects or other people. Though these logistics seem exaggerated, they got me thinking how plausible the whole concept seems.

The film also grabbed my attention with its numerous storylines. One side focuses on Mitch (Matt Damon), who is strangely one of the few people immune to the virus. Both his wife Beth (Gwyneth Paltrow) and his stepson die early on from the virus, leaving his daughter Jory (Anna Jacoby-Heron) as the only family he has left.

The story of Dr. Ellis Cheever (Laurence Fishburne) and Dr. Erin Mears (Kate Winslet) offers a more scientific look at the epidemic. The two, along with a team of doctors contracted by the CDC, are essentially in charge of saving the world from the violent act of nature. Winslet puts her own life in danger when she is sent to track the path of the virus.

Alan (Jude Law) presents an antagonistic view of the situation. As a tenacious blogger, he chastises the CDC for supposedly hiding the cure in order to profit from pharmaceutical companies.

Though the movie is in chronological order, there is a quizzical element that immediately draws in viewers – how did this epidemic occur? However, this question is not answered until the very end of the movie. The conclusion of the film left me at a loss for words.

Overall, “Contagion” is worth watching, but it is not for everyone. The film can get morbid at times because of its constant reminder of death, and it is not your traditional dramatic thriller. Regardless, the movie’s premise is enticing enough to attract many viewers.

Genre: Thriller, Sci-Fi
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Cast: Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Laurence Fishburne, Gwyneth Paltrow
Release Date: Sept. 9