Movie Review: Antiviral (2021)
Synopsis
In the unnerving landscape of Antiviral, we are thrust into a dystopian future where celebrity culture has reached uncanny extremes, with the public’s obsession for the stars becoming a source of both fascination and revulsion. The narrative centres around Syd March, played by the film’s director Brandon Cronenberg, who works at a clinic that sells infections harvested from sick celebrities to their adoring fans. In this world, a virulent desire to mimic the lives of the rich and famous spirals into a grotesque exploitation of health and identity.
As the story unfolds, Syd becomes embroiled in a scandal after contracting a deadly disease—a rare virus from the pop icon Hannah Geist, portrayed by Sarah Gadon. Spiralling down a rabbit hole of deceit, obsession, and desperation, he finds himself in a race against time, both to cure himself and to untangle the web of his existence that blurs the lines between admiration and illness. The film serves as both a commentary on the pervasive nature of celebrity worship and a harrowing exploration of the costs of obsession in an age where boundaries are pushed to their limits.
Actors and Characters
- Brandon Cronenberg as Syd March
- Sarah Gadon as Hannah Geist
- Matthew Bennett as Dr. Spiess
- Nicholas Campbell as a Clinic Director
- Colin R. Campbell as an Artist
- Laurie Holden as the Wife
- Tsewang Tashi as an Enthusiast
- Dylan Taylor as the Husband
Review
From its inception, Antiviral immerses viewers in an unsettling atmosphere that echoes the thematic nuance typical of Brandon Cronenberg’s previous work. The film’s exploration of viral contagion serves as a potent metaphor for cultural expectation and the human condition itself, egged on by society’s morbidity toward fame and the cult of personality. The narrative leads us through Syd March’s morally ambiguous journey as he navigates a world where people willingly suffer to remain in proximity to their idols.
Brandon Cronenberg’s directorial choices reflect a meticulous attention to detail and a keen understanding of pacing. The use of sterile lighting juxtaposed against the grotesqueness of the procedures at the clinic evokes an uncomfortable yet captivating visual experience. The cinematography is both haunting and captivating, amplifying the film’s underlying theme of horror hidden within the mundane, successfully eliciting feelings of both repulsion and fascination.
The performances in Antiviral are commendable, particularly from Brandon Cronenberg. His portrayal of Syd March encapsulates the character’s internal conflict, embodying the essence of a man grappling with his obsessive fixations and the repercussions that follow. His ability to demonstrate vulnerability alongside a palpable moral decay ensures that the audience remains invested in his journey. Sarah Gadon delivers a striking performance as Hannah Geist, representative of the unattainable ideal that encapsulates a world of fame. Her portrayal is both ethereal and haunting, making her character a spectral presence throughout the film.
Matthew Bennett plays Dr. Spiess, adding a welcome layer of complexity to the narrative, encapsulating the detachment of the medical profession in a society obsessed with consumption and commodification of life. This character embodies the clinical coldness that permeates throughout the film, showcasing a world where ethical considerations are cast aside in the quest for profit and notoriety.
The film’s pacing is deliberate yet feels unsettlingly languid at times—mirroring the despair Syd experiences as he becomes consumed by the very illness he coveted. Dialogue, painted with stark subtext, invites audiences into discussions surrounding identity, obsession, and the societal implications of our relationships with celebrity. Scenes frequently slip into a dread-laden quietness, underscoring the emotional weight of the characters’ plights.
While seemingly straightforward, Antiviral challenges viewers to reflect on their own consumption of celebrity culture and the blurry lines that exist between admiration and obsession. The film’s insistence on spiralling deeper into the metaphorical depths of virulent adoration provides a potent critique of an industry that thrives on the voyeurism of personal lives. As viewers, we are invited to wrestle with uncomfortable questions: What lengths would we go to for a glimpse into the lives of the famous? What happens when our fantasies of living vicariously become intertwined with intrusive reality?
The score by Elysia Crampton complements the aesthetic beautifully, with pulsating undercurrents of electronic throbs that enhance the film’s atmosphere and build unease. With touches of surrealism woven throughout, the score makes Antiviral an auditory experience that lingers long after the viewing, leaving the viewer with an overwhelming sense of dread.
However, the film is not without its critiques. The deliberate pacing, while reflective of Syd’s decaying psyche, could leave viewers feeling detached at points. Some may find that the film’s thematic execution sometimes overreaches, leading to a density that is both intriguing and, at moments, sluggishly perplexing. The ambiguity of certain narrative resolutions may also leave audiences yearning for a more definitive conclusion, although this could also be interpreted as a stylistic choice by Cronenberg—a refusal to provide easy answers in a world filled with superficiality.
Moreover, the film’s stylistic choices, which often include grotesque imagery and moments of discomfort, may alienate those who do not typically enjoy the body horror genre. Nonetheless, the provocative nature of the film remains its greatest asset, forcing audiences to grapple with the material’s heavy implications while being absorbed into the world Cronenberg has crafted.
Conclusion
Antiviral stands as a daring examination of our cultural proclivities and the morbid allure of celebrity culture. Brandon Cronenberg’s directorial craftsmanship coupled with engaging performances creates a culinary tableau of onscreen grotesquerie where every frame serves as a mirror reflecting our societal obsessions. The film manages to question the very essence of identity and the lengths to which individuals will go to chase after the shadows of fame, all while battling an increasingly viral existence.
Ultimately, Antiviral is not for everyone, but for those who enjoy films that provoke thought and stir uncomfortable introspections, it is a must-watch. With a rich tapestry of themes, visuals, and performances, it is undoubtedly an experience that warrants high praise in the realm of contemporary cinema.
Score: 7.5/10
