365 Days. 365 Films.

Contagion follows a number of characters as a deadly disease spreads worldwide in a matter of days. As the CDC attempt to control the outbreak and find a cure, Mitch (Damon) is trying to keep his daughter safe as their world falls apart.

This was publicised as one of the scariest films of 2011 and I believe it was. It’s not a horror film, it isn’t jumpy and you won’t be hiding behind the sofa, but there is some gore and the fear of what could happen in the future. Since Swine Flu and Bird Flu, people have been dramatising a worldwide outbreak a la 28 Days Later, and this film shows exactly how it would pan out. Realism = scary!

Soderbergh’s direction is seamless, taking you right inside the story and, despite characterization being finely spread across a number of roles, you get a close and personal feel for the characters. Overall it is an enjoyable and thought provoking film. It’ll never be a classic but it will always be in the back of my mind.