Contagion

Contagion is the latest film to explore the world spread epidemic of a deadly contagious disease. This film unlike many before it, handles the themes incredibly realistic and successfully uses correct scientific terms without having to dumb things down for the audience.
The film begins on 'Day 2' of the epidemic with Beth (Gwyneth Paltrow) arriving home to Minneapolis after a business trip to Hong Kong. She arrives home with a fever and a bad cough. She soon seizures and dies. Beth's husband Mitch (Matt Damon) is completely shocked but unwilling to allow any futher damage happen to his family.
Meanwhile The Untied States Centre for Disease Control led by Dr. Ellis Cheever (Laurence Fishburne), with the aid of Dr. Erin Mears (Kate Winslet) and research scientist Dr Ally Hoxtall (Jennifer Ehle), work together to identify the disease in hope of controlling it.
World Health Organisation Officer Dr. Leonora Orantes (Marion Cotillard) travels to Hong Kong to uncover the truth behind Beth's initial contact with the disease.
There is also blogger and wannabee journalist Alan, (Jude Law) who is determined to undermine the US governments handling of the epidemic.
Contagion is a multi-protagonist 'mosaic' film and handles the characterisation of its several protagonists beautifully. The film seamlessly crosses between intelligent science and the related human emotions of such an international epidemic.
The performance of the ensemble cast is perfect and further lifts the films verisimilitude. The film presents the topic in a chilling truth while never delving into melodramatics. Director Steven Soderbergh, is successful in creating an ultra realistic intelligent medical thriller. This is easily one of the best Hollywood films of the year.