What sets “Contagion” apart from similar movies is the all-star cast of many Oscar winners in mostly cameos. It harkens back to the similarly themed 2001 “Contagion,” & TV’s (’97) “Contagious” about a transmitted worldwide disease. What could be caused by a terrorist, animal, bird, or insect carrier, this film is the latest offering of the genre. A fast-growing, deadly microorganism erupts and Gwyneth Paltrow’s character Beth Emhoff succumbs upon returning from an overseas trip. Her distraught spouse Mitchell (Matt Damon) is consumed with bewilderment and anger. A pandemic of a biohazard spreads rapidly and sicknesses strike down people everywhere. CDC deputy director Dr. Ellis Cheever (Laurence Fishburne) heads an investigation with Drs. Erin Mears (Kate Winslet), epidemiologist Leonora Orantes (Marion Cotillard), and scientist Ally Hextall (Jennifer Ehle) persevering to effect a cure or antidote. Computer blogger-journalist Alan Krumwiede (Jude Law) has his own agenda and believes vital information is being hidden in a cover-up.
Tension builds in filmmaker-director Steven Soderbergh’s complex medical thriller. The accomplished ensemble cast adds stark realism to the happenings, and disregarding shortcomings like unanswered questions, and the shifting storyline from character to character, “Contagion” works as a cautionary tale. Trying to prevent contamination and infection, many of us will think twice before touching (e.g.) doorknobs, switches, elevator buttons, computer keyboards, subway & bus handles, and anything with which we come into contact.
Image source: Collider
