Viral

Viral is a thrilling and chilling science fiction drama from 2016 that intricately blends teen angst and apocalyptic horror into one gripping narrative. The film is co-directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, who are well-known for their craft in the found footage genre. They successfully bring their distinctive storytelling talent to this project as well. The film showcases the tale of two teenage sisters trying to navigate a world slowly crumbling under the threat of a deadly parasite outbreak.

In Viral, the protagonist is played by Sofia Black-D'Elia, who puts on a compelling performance as Emma Drakeford, the younger of the two sisters. As a high school student, Emma is initially seen grappling with the conventional struggles like unrequited crushes and navigating high school hierarchy. But these youthful worries rapidly fade to the background when a terrifying parasitic infection starts to sweep through her small suburban town. The infection grabs the people from within, taking control of their brains and transforming them into mindless, deadly creatures.

Analeigh Tipton plays Stacey, Emma's older and more rebellious sister. Going against authorities’ advice and protocols, she refuses to stay quarantined in their home. Stacey is a significant character in the film, and Tipton effectively encompasses and delivers the emotional complexity of her role.

Viral is as much about the bond of sisterhood as it is about survival against otherworldly odds. Emma and Stacey's relationship grounds the story with a profound sense of humanity amidst the horrifying chaos. Travis Tope plays Evan Klein, Emma’s love interest. His role, though not as prominent compared to the sisters, still stands out and adds another layer to the story, especially in Emma's narrative.

The narrative is intense and gripping, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The shocking sequences of the parasitic infection are especially gut-churning as they show the magnitude of the danger looming over humanity. The fading boundaries of civilization and the ways people resort to survival help the film maintain a genuine, raw terror.

However, the most significant power of Viral lies in its stripping down of a standard teen narrative and replacing the backdrop with a horrifying catastrophe. Simultaneously, it explores complex human relationships and emotions amidst a terrifying survival crisis. This balancing act between the human aspect and the horrific turns of events contribute significantly to the movie's appeal.

Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman's direction note the skillful use of suspense and anticipation. Throughout the film, they gradually build tension, keeping audiences captivated and uncertain of what comes next. They masterfully convey a sense of isolation and entrapment, effectively supporting the overall narrative and atmosphere of the film.

The screenplay by Barbara Marshall and Christopher Landon effectively supports the film’s poignant and thrilling narrative, and Simon TaufiQue’s haunting score enhances the overall uneasy atmosphere.

What sets Viral apart from the conventional end-of-the-world disaster films is the intimate focus on Emma and Stacey. Their individual journeys of self-discovery and the emotional bond that they share become the beating heart of the story, delivering moments of softness in a world otherwise dominated by stark horror.

In conclusion, Viral is a gripping tale that doesn’t solely rely on the shock value of its horror elements but also offers an emotional exploration of human relationships faced with monstrous forces. The film offers an incredible blend of horror, suspense, and emotional moments, creating an immersive and tense narrative about survival and sisterhood. The solid performances by the cast, particularly Sofia Black-D'Elia and Analeigh Tipton, keep the audience engaged in the characters' fate, making it a captivating watch.