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Movie outbreaks

Shows depicting global diseases are often respectful of science and mindful of the cost of human lives

Helmi Yusof

Published Thu, Feb 20, 2020 · 09:50 PM

Covid-19

FROM STEVEN SODERBERGH'S 2011 hit film Contagion to Netflix's new documentary series Pandemic, screen depictions of viral infections stopping entire nations in their tracks make for riveting viewing. But what's impressive is that even the fictitious portrayals of outbreaks have tried to adhere to scientific facts and sociological truths. When you consider how low these bars can be - so many movies from Back To The Future to Star Trek use wonky science - you have to give props to the films that ground their stories in virology and epidemiology to offer authentic depictions of public health crises.

Of course, the drama may tip into hysteria two-thirds of the way through, as stories need a climax and some form of heroism to satisfy audiences. But the science explaining the infection, the sociology underlying the regression of human behavior to survival mode, and the depiction of measures taken by government and law enforce…