Turn on a TV or open up your phone and you’re likely inundated with news about coronavirus. From some people worrying that this is the plague that will end the world to others saying it’s just a nasty version of the flu, there’s constant chatter about the illness that seems to be spreading pretty quickly and has already led to thousands of deaths. So, what do people do when a virus spreads around the world? Well, according to iTunes (via Buzzfeed), people watch “Contagion.”
READ MORE: ‘No Time To Die’ Delayed Until November Due To Coronavirus Impact
In a new report from Buzzfeed, the 2011 film “Contagion,” written by Scott Z. Burns and directed by Steven Soderbergh, has rocketed its way into the top 10 films in iTunes. And honestly, you don’t have to think hard as to why people might want to watch a film about a global pandemic stemming from Asia that has killed many people given the circumstances we see ourselves in right now.
“It was very deliberately designed to be a cautionary film,” producer Michael Shamberg said about the rise in popularity. “We got the science right.”
In addition to the film’s rise on iTunes, Warner Bros. has stated that Soderbergh’s film has had a similar effect on Google Play, as well as Amazon. No matter the digital video streamer of your choice, folks are going out of their way to watch “Contagion.” Over the entire catalog of WB films, the studio says “Contagion” now ranks as its second-most-watched this year.
Shamberg added, “A writer/producer I’m working with emailed me yesterday that at least 10 of his friends have rewatched it.”
So, what are people getting out of their watching of an almost-decade-old film? Well, first, they’re watching a great movie, so good for them. But secondly, they may just be the type of people that are hoping that there’s a happy ending they can come away from the film with.
If you’re interested in watching “Contagion,” but don’t want to pay the rental fees, Hulu apparently has the film available to stream for free for subscribers. So, check it out!