Contagion

I will admit, the main reason I have wanted to see this movie for more than a year was the exceptional cast. Oscar-winners Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon and Marion Cotillard, and Oscar-nominees Jude Law and Laurence Fishburne star in this thriller chronicling the lives of various people as the world faces a disease pandemic. After returning from a business trip to Hong Kong, Beth (Paltrow) comes down with a serious sickness and her husband (Damon) rushes her to the hospital, only to discover that she has become the first victim. Doctor Cheever (Fishburne) and Dr. Mears (Winslet) begin investigating how and where the disease travels. Likewise, Dr. Orantes (Cotillard) travels to Hong Kong to trace the origin of the disease. And finally Jude Law plays Alan, a popular conspiracy blogger who insists he has found the cure for the infection. The film was terrifying and interesting from beginning to end, perhaps due to the plausibility of the story. With scares like H1N1 or chemical warfare, 'Contagion' becomes a little too realistic for comfort. While this film certainly won't be winning any Oscars for acting, the performances were believable and despite the nature of the film, the character development and sympathy for the various infected victims was definitely noticed. Damon's and Winslet's character are both especially good natured, and the audience will certainly root for them against other characters who react in violent and hysterical ways when the disease spreads. Cotillard's French accent is as charming as ever, yet Law and Paltrow unfortunately did not get the most appealing characters. Why does Paltrow always get her head severed in her films? Perhaps the most terrifying angle of the film comes from the idea that anyone can be infected and killed, even the most famous of actors. 'Contagion' is one of the more exciting thrillers I've ever seen, but it's not a film I would go to when I'm feeling the need for a morale boost. 7 out of 10 stars.