From Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman comes ‘Viral‘, the outbreak thriller starring Analeigh Tipton, Sophia Black-D’Elia, Michael Kelly, Brianne Howey, Judyann Elder, John Cothran, Jay Hieron, and Machine Gun Kelly, with Jason Blum of Blumhouse producing.
In the film, two teenaged sisters Emma (D’Elia) and Stacey (Tipton) live a normal life, until their small suburban neighborhood is stricken with a mysterious parasitic virus. As the disease rapidly spreads throughout the town, the two band together to barricade themselves in and away from the infection. But it may already be too late – when the virus enters their home, the sisters are forced with an impossible choice: protect each other, or survive the virus.
To be honest, I didn’t have high hopes for ‘Viral’. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised. The story was fresh and unique. The special effects were kept to a minimum and that was a fantastic choice. Too many films rely on heavy CGI to make the movie more interesting. We see the virus, we see enough of the infected to get the point across, but the real story is the tension, the relationship of the two main characters and the fight to survive.
Speaking of the sisters, played by Sofia Black-D’Elia (Emma) and Analeigh Tipton (Stacey), they both did very well in their roles. In fact the entire cast did great. You feel for Emma and Stacey and for the character Evan (Travis Tope). I found myself cheering for their survival and for the blossoming love between Emma and Evan. The ending was a nice touch and unexpected.
My verdict, ‘Viral’ is definitely worth seeing. Even though it is geared towards an between 16 and 30, I think most viewers will enjoy it. You can pick up your copy of ‘Viral’ on DVD or download it on Digital HD today.