By Camden Crook, Staff Writer
Spoiler alert: If you are someone who hates movie spoilers and have not yet seen “Contagion,” you may want to watch the movie before reading this article!
It’s been four weeks since school was cancelled indefinitely for quarantine amidst the Coronavirus. You have an excess of unexpected free time, and are quickly running out of at-home activities. It’s the perfect opportunity to binge-watch your favorite show or host a movie marathon. One movie in particular eerily portrays our current situation.
Released in 2011, the movie “Contagion” has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. Take the time to watch this film, and you’ll understand why. Not only is “Contagion” about a deadly global pandemic, but its countless similarities to our Coronavirus pandemic will shock you.
The film begins with the untimely death of Beth Emhoff, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, following her return from a Hong Kong business trip. Doctors tell Beth’s husband, played by Matt Damon, that they have no idea what caused her death.
Soon after, hundreds around the world start exhibiting Beth’s symptoms, and the global pandemic takes off. Several days pass before the United States CDC recognizes the extent of the situation. They realize that by the time a vaccine is produced, millions will likely die.
In a matter of weeks, the United States is turned upside down. People isolate within their homes, supplies are hoarded and medical workers risk their lives to save others.
Sounds familiar, right?
About a month ago, I watched this movie for the first time. A week later, I watched it again. It’s a surreal experience to watch movies like this, foreshadowing end of the world-like scenarios, when you’re living amidst a global pandemic.
The likeness between our situation and the one portrayed in “Contagion” are enough to send chills down your spine.
“Contagion’s” virus originates from bats, in China. “Contagion’s” virus spreads to the rest of the world in a matter of weeks. “Contagion’s” virus affects the respiratory system, and can be spread through the air. Infected patients are quarantined. Citizens wear masks and hoard supplies and food. Healthcare workers work tirelessly to combat the virus, and many become infected themselves. Streets, schools and skyscrapers lie empty, abandoned. The economy crashes. Some predict the end of the world.
It makes you wonder, was “Contagion” simply a movie intended to entertain, or was it a prediction, intended to inform?
Director Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter Scott Z. Burns wanted to create a film that depicted the rapid spread of a virus, inspired by the SARS outbreak and 2009 flu pandemic. In order to make the film as realistic as possible, Burns consulted with medical experts and representatives of the World Health Organization.
One of the scenes that stuck out to me the most was toward the end of the film.
A vaccine had just been produced and administered to all U.S. citizens. One of the main characters (Matt Damon) and his teenage daughter had been quarantining in their home for several months.
Damon surprises his daughter with a dress, decorates their living room and sets up speakers. He digs out the old family camera to photograph his daughter on her prom night. The daughter’s boyfriend comes over and they dance, finally able to be together in the aftermath of all the destruction.
Even just a month ago, this scene seemed fictional, only existent in the movies. Now, videos are going viral of highschoolers nationwide, hosting prom in family rooms and dancing with family members.
If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to watch “Contagion,” now is as good a time as ever. In the midst of our own global pandemic, it’s important to educate ourselves. It’s also important to be aware of our situation, and to remain hopeful that like all things, these strange times will soon come to an end.
Senior Camden Crook can be reached at crookca0109@daretolearn.org.
