Coma (1978) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Coma (1978) is a gripping medical thriller directed by Michael Crichton, based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Robin Cook. Starring Geneviève Bujold and Michael Douglas, the film explores the unsettling world of medical corruption, organ trafficking, and the dangers of institutional power. With its sharp direction and unsettling premise, Coma captivates viewers with a slow-burn narrative filled with suspense and conspiracy. In this review, we will break down the key elements of the film and share where you can stream or rent it online, especially in the U.S.
Plot Summary
Dr. Susan Wheeler (Geneviève Bujold), a young and talented surgeon, works at a renowned Boston hospital. Her life takes a dark turn when her best friend, Nancy, goes into a routine surgery and unexpectedly falls into a coma. Distraught and confused, Susan starts to investigate the causes of the coma and discovers a series of disturbing patterns. Many otherwise healthy patients, particularly those undergoing minor surgical procedures, have slipped into unexplained comas at the hospital.
As Susan digs deeper, she uncovers a chilling conspiracy: these comatose patients are being intentionally kept in a vegetative state and then transferred to the mysterious Jefferson Institute, a high-tech facility. There, their organs are harvested and sold on the black market. Her investigation puts her in direct danger, as powerful figures in the medical establishment will do anything to keep the secret buried.
In her quest for the truth, Susan enlists the help of her boyfriend, Dr. Mark Bellows (Michael Douglas). Together, they navigate a web of lies, deception, and murder as they try to bring the shocking truth to light before Susan becomes the next victim.
Tense Atmosphere and Chilling Premise
The central premise of Coma taps into the public’s deepest fears about medical institutions and the vulnerability of patients in hospitals. The idea that healthy individuals could be exploited for organ harvesting strikes a nerve, particularly in an era when the healthcare system was viewed with increasing skepticism.
The film expertly builds tension through its slow pacing, taking time to immerse the audience in Susan’s investigation. Director Michael Crichton, known for his work in the science fiction and medical thriller genres, crafts a story that feels both realistic and terrifying. The sterile hospital setting is used to create an unsettling atmosphere, where the threat of danger is always lurking just beneath the surface.
Crichton also uses the hospital’s clinical, cold environment to mirror the lack of morality within the conspiracy. The surgical scenes are chilling not because of gore, but because they represent the cold, calculated way the medical establishment is depicted as exploiting its most vulnerable patients.
Geneviève Bujold’s Stellar Performance
Geneviève Bujold delivers a standout performance as Dr. Susan Wheeler. She embodies the role of a determined and intelligent doctor who must confront not only a sinister conspiracy but also the skepticism and dismissiveness of her male colleagues. Bujold’s portrayal captures both the vulnerability and resilience of her character, making Susan a sympathetic and relatable protagonist.
As the film’s emotional center, Bujold effectively conveys Susan’s growing fear and desperation as she realizes just how deep the conspiracy goes. Her performance grounds the film, ensuring that the audience is invested in her journey from start to finish.
Supporting Cast: Michael Douglas and Rip Torn
Michael Douglas plays Susan’s boyfriend, Dr. Mark Bellows, who initially doubts her suspicions but eventually supports her investigation. Although Douglas’s role is more subdued than his later, more iconic performances, his presence adds a sense of stability to the film. His character provides a counterbalance to Susan’s increasing paranoia, though he never overshadows her as the film’s true hero.
Rip Torn, as Dr. George Harris, delivers a suitably ominous performance as the head of the surgical department. His calm demeanor hides a sinister agenda, and Torn’s portrayal makes him one of the film’s most intriguing and unsettling figures.
Themes of Corruption and Institutional Power
One of the key themes in Coma is the corrupting influence of power within the medical system. The film raises important questions about the ethics of medical practice, the commodification of human organs, and the vulnerability of patients who place their trust in doctors and hospitals. It explores how individuals within the healthcare system can abuse their power for profit, and how difficult it can be for whistleblowers to bring such corruption to light.
The film also highlights the gender dynamics in the medical profession, particularly in how Susan is constantly dismissed and patronized by her male colleagues. Her journey is not just about uncovering a conspiracy, but also about proving her competence in a male-dominated field.
Michael Crichton’s Directorial Style
Michael Crichton, a trained doctor himself, brings a sense of authenticity to the medical details in the film. His direction is efficient and methodical, much like the medical procedures depicted in the movie. Crichton’s approach to suspense is understated, relying on slow builds and a sense of creeping dread rather than overt action or violence.
The film’s pacing allows the tension to escalate naturally, and Crichton makes excellent use of silence and stillness to enhance the atmosphere. The scenes in the Jefferson Institute, where rows of comatose patients are suspended in futuristic, life-support pods, are particularly eerie and visually striking.
What Works Well
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to maintain a sense of realism while telling a deeply disturbing story. The medical procedures and hospital environments are portrayed with accuracy, which grounds the more sensational elements of the plot. This combination of realism and suspense makes the conspiracy at the heart of Coma feel all the more plausible—and terrifying.
The performances, especially Bujold’s, are another highlight. Bujold carries the film on her shoulders, and her portrayal of Susan is both compelling and relatable. The film’s tension is heightened by Crichton’s deliberate pacing and his ability to create an atmosphere of constant unease.
What Falls Short
While Coma is an effective thriller, some viewers may find the film’s pacing a bit too slow. The slow-burn approach works to build tension, but there are moments where the narrative drags, particularly in the first half. Additionally, some of the supporting characters, including Michael Douglas’s Mark Bellows, are underdeveloped, leaving the focus squarely on Susan’s investigation.
For modern audiences, the film’s visual effects and set design—especially in the Jefferson Institute—may feel dated. However, these aspects are more reflective of the film’s era and do not detract significantly from the overall impact of the story.
Where to Watch Coma Online
For viewers in the United States, Coma is available on several streaming platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video
Coma is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can watch it in HD or SD formats, offering flexibility depending on your preference. - Apple TV (iTunes)
The film is also available for rent or purchase on Apple TV. Once purchased, it can be downloaded for offline viewing on Apple devices. - Google Play Movies & TV
Coma can be rented or purchased on Google Play Movies & TV, making it accessible on a variety of devices. - Vudu
Vudu offers Coma for rent or purchase in HD. This platform is a great option for those looking for high-quality streaming without a subscription. - YouTube Movies
You can rent or purchase Coma through YouTube Movies, which allows you to stream it on any device that supports YouTube.
Is It Worth Watching?
Coma is a tense, thought-provoking medical thriller that has aged surprisingly well. Its themes of corruption and institutional power remain relevant, and the film’s unsettling atmosphere keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. For fans of suspenseful, slow-burn thrillers, Coma offers a unique blend of medical authenticity and conspiracy-driven narrative. With excellent performances, especially from Geneviève Bujold, it’s a film that holds up as both a chilling thriller and a critique of the darker sides of modern medicine.
Conclusion
Coma (1978) stands as a compelling and disturbing medical thriller that blends realism with a chilling conspiracy. Michael Crichton’s direction, combined with Geneviève Bujold’s standout performance, makes this a film that leaves a lasting impression. For anyone interested in medical dramas or suspense-filled conspiracy films, Coma is a must-watch. With a variety of streaming options available, it’s easy to experience this classic thriller from the comfort of your home.
