Iffy for 14+
All-star virus thriller is intense, uncompromising.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this grim thriller about the spread of a deadly, fast-acting global virus helmed by Oscar-winner director Steven Soderbergh and populated by an all-star cast (including Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow, among many others), may be too intense and/or overwhelming for younger kids given its stark, uncompromising depictions of death and the somber, sometimes scary exploration of what it's like to live in a constant state of fear. Expect disturbing imagery (including a gory autopsy) and mature themes, such as death (in one case, of a child) and infidelity. There's also some swearing (including "s--t") and social drinking.
- Families can talk about what makes this film scary and/or intense. Is it the tone? The subject matter? Are you scared that something like this could really happen?
- Parents, talk to your kids about any fears the movie raises. For tips, try this article.
- How does the movie portray the Internet as a source of information regarding disease and health?
The good stuff
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Messages: A deadly contagion is a challenging, deadly opponent, but humanity ultimately triumphs through perseverance and compassion. It may not be exactly how hard science works, but it's an admirable takeaway. (Also, wash your hands!)
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Role models: Though some characters react poorly under pressure (looting and holding others hostage), many others are selfless, protective, and willing to put others first in the name of service and love.
What to watch for
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Violence: Citizens loot and hurt others out of fear and panic; patients die frothing at the mouth. A gory autopsy is shown, with a scalp being pulled back.
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Sex: A near-kiss between two teens. Discussions of one woman's philandering.
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Language: Infrequent use of words like "s--t," "ass," "hell," and "oh my God." Also one "f--k."
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Consumerism: Many label mentions/appearances: Taco Bell, StarKist, Purell, Sbarro, Rayovac, Audi, Dasani.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some social drinking at a bar and casino.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Trailers were cool, movie was GREAT by rockydoggies
Usually when you have too many great actors together in one movie it turns into a dud, but this thought provoking movie is the exception. The movie doesn't beg the question of "What If" but explores the realms of today's version of a modern Black Plague, Swine Flu, West Nile Virus, Spanish Fever, and so forth. This being said, an epidemic outbreak of this kind could never be discarded as mere fiction or film fantasy. I think the movie tries to deliver a story that realistically could happen in today's modern world. I like how the film uses two things in contrast to each other: the medium of the fast traveling news/media (uncontrolled amateur media & business controlled professional media) versus the means/avenues of how easily a plague can be spread due to modern transportation...which one will get to you first? The movie starts out really fast, so don't be late. The movie does slow down a little too much in the end, but still...this was a great movie.
1
So very dissapointed! Feel Ripped off. by Isabel7830
I was SO excited to see this movie. Could not wait. To say it was a dissapointment is a major under statement. They have a bunch of main characters whose characters they never really develope. Almost no intense scenes of the epidemic at all. No real conclusion but they leave you feeling like....where is the ending to this movie! So dissapointed! This movie had such potential and they think by throwing a few good actors that they can throw anything at the viewers and they will like it. What a waste of talent and potential!!
3
Contagion review by Muvie Reviewer
This is a great All Star cast in a movie that fizzles flat. This is the type of movie that would make a good telemovie at best.
The movie opens on the 2nd day that a mysterious disease has begun to spread and then the story moves forward. There are smaller stories being told that are tied into the spread of this contagious disease however many of the characters are underdeveloped or incomplete.
This movie is complete with conspiracy theories and leaves the movie goer with more questions than answers about some of the characters.
At the end of the movie and in a flash (approximately no more than 60 seconds) it is reveiled how the disease began and then the end credits.
For a great movie on a contagious disease you are better off renting Outbreak with Dustin Hoffman and Rene Russo, imo.
3
Contagion review by criand
It's extremely well made, very realistic, very well acted. It has all the right ingredient, including a good storyline, but somehow it fails to really thrill
4
Contagion by rubio589
The previews are a little misleading for this movie. They imply lots of action, but it was not an action movie. This takes a little away from the movie.
However, it was definitely a very realistic account of an epidemic.
5
Great societal study. by calcmandan
People wanted a thrill. People wanted action. People wanted character development. Those elements weren?t the intent, however. I?d have to admit expecting an action from the marketing materials and the poster, but I don?t judge movies over a preconceived notion or genre. Without throwing out spoilers, I was happy to see that it?s more of an ensemble cast than a Matt Damon flick, considering his small role. It was a good analysis on how our country, and the world at large, would react to a real medical epidemic. We saw a few overblown pandemics the last few years with H1N1 and swine flu, and I believe this movie is a what-if thought experiment on steroids. They even paid homage to the real world examples near the conclusion. Granted, the real world issues turned out to be media overhype more than a real medical scare and I believe the movie covered the media in a brilliant way. I liked this movie because it was a societal study rather than an updated 'Outbreak.'
1
The previews were good, movie not so much by lil_bit22604
People were walking out in the middle of the movie. It dragged on and was just pointless. Would not waste my money on buying the movie and wish I could get my time that I spent watching the movie back.
5
Amazing!! by ZTokumoto
I loved this movie, I loved everything about it.
The acting was good I thought everyone did an absolutly amazing job and I do not have any complaints about the acting.... This movie is Obviously NOT for kids and I would suggest anyone under the age of 13 not go and see it maybe even anyone under the age of 16 depending on the maturity of the individual.
3
Contagion: Action Movie? by GossipGirlAni
When you see the commercials this movie seems like a good exciting action movie. It is so far from this. This was not an action movie at all, it was realistic and there was some good acting in it. It was a good movie, don't get me wrong, but a lot of the movie was extremely boring to me.
4
Didn't have enough sanitary napkins after seeing this one! Left FREAKED out! by mycarvingtree_com
This movie was edgy and my wife and I left talking about it and still were a week later... That's what movies should do -- make you think and talk. Well done.