The presence of movie stars helps: their authority is part of what keeps us fascinated by the gruesome fable, juicing it a bit, so that we can actually enjoy it.
Paltrow's bits are among the films creepiest, since, award-winning actress that she is, she's horrifyingly convincing in the throes of advanced symptoms, as well as looking extremely dead.
If you're looking for some kind of poetry-some exalted dramatic arc that lifts this narrative out of the ordinary-you won't find it here. Contagion is...gripping from start to finish.
Big Hollywood
June 30, 2013
This high-stakes drama is infected with too many characters and a silly subplot.
What it is, is a hypochondria-inducing thriller that will likely have you keep off the handrails as you exit the theater, head straight to the nearest Duane Reade and stockpile bulk-size surgical masks, latex gloves and hand sanitizer.
Adopting a clean, chronological and punchy approach, Soderbergh holds a steady eye on panic and chaos. It's a disaster movie with a brain and conscience.
