Viral (2016) Movie Review: A Tense and Gripping Horror Thriller
Viral 2016 review, Viral movie streaming, Viral rental, Viral purchase, horror films, virus outbreak movies, Analeigh Tipton, Sofia Black-D’Elia, Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
Introduction
“Viral,” directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman and released in 2016, is a horror thriller that explores the chaos and fear of a deadly virus outbreak. Starring Sofia Black-D’Elia, Analeigh Tipton, and Travis Tope, the film combines elements of horror and drama to create a tense and gripping narrative that keeps viewers on edge.
Plot Summary
The film follows sisters Emma (Sofia Black-D’Elia) and Stacey (Analeigh Tipton), who live in a small suburban town. Their lives are turned upside down when a parasitic virus known as the “Worm Flu” starts spreading rapidly, turning infected individuals into violent, zombie-like creatures. As the virus spreads, the town is placed under quarantine, isolating the sisters from the outside world.
With their parents stranded on the other side of the quarantine, Emma and Stacey must rely on each other for survival. As the infection spreads and societal order breaks down, the sisters face terrifying threats from both the infected and desperate survivors. Emma must navigate these dangers while protecting her sister and trying to find a way out of the escalating nightmare.
Performance and Direction
Sofia Black-D’Elia delivers a compelling performance as Emma, capturing the character’s courage and determination in the face of overwhelming fear. Analeigh Tipton shines as Stacey, portraying her transformation from a carefree teenager to a survivor with emotional depth. Their on-screen chemistry as sisters adds authenticity and emotional weight to the story.
Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman effectively build tension and suspense throughout the film. Their use of tight, claustrophobic settings and eerie visuals creates a palpable sense of dread. The screenplay, written by Barbara Marshall, balances character development with horror elements, ensuring that the emotional stakes remain high even as the action intensifies.
Critical Reception
“Viral” received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the film’s performances and atmosphere, others felt that it did not fully capitalize on its intriguing premise.
Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a score of 50% based on 16 reviews, with an average rating of 5.2/10. The consensus reads: “Viral has an intriguing premise and a pair of strong leads, but its story is infected by a predictable plot and jump scare-driven direction.”
Metacritic scores the film at 52 out of 100, indicating “mixed or average reviews.”
Despite the mixed critical reception, “Viral” has been appreciated by horror fans for its suspenseful narrative and strong performances.
Streaming Availability
For viewers in the United States, “Viral” is available on several streaming platforms. You can stream it on:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
Additionally, the film is available for rental or purchase on:
- Apple iTunes
- Google Play Movies
- Vudu
Final Thoughts
“Viral” offers a tense and gripping horror experience, anchored by strong performances from Sofia Black-D’Elia and Analeigh Tipton. While the film may not break new ground in the virus outbreak genre, its effective atmosphere and emotional core make it a worthwhile watch for fans of horror and thriller movies.
The film’s exploration of survival, family bonds, and the breakdown of societal order adds depth to its chilling premise. For those who enjoy a blend of horror and drama with a focus on character-driven storytelling, “Viral” provides an engaging and suspenseful viewing experience.
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