Films & Events

Directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Scott Z. Burns, Contagion is a gripping medical thriller that traces the outbreak of a deadly global virus with chilling precision. Told through an interconnected, multi-narrative structure, the film follows epidemiologists, public health officials, scientists, and everyday citizens as they race to understand, contain, and survive a rapidly spreading pandemic. Featuring an ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Laurence Fishburne, Marion Cotillard, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow, the film presents a stark, unsensationalized portrait of global crisis.

Screenwriter Scott Z. Burns consulted closely with experts from the World Health Organization, the CDC, and leading epidemiologists including Dr. W. Ian Lipkin and Larry Brilliant, resulting in a film widely praised by scientists for its realistic depiction of viral transmission, contact tracing, R₀ values, biosafety protocols, vaccine development, and public health communication. Upon its release, critics lauded the film’s intelligence and restraint, and it earned strong reviews for being “exceptionally smart—and scary.”

The film took on renewed and profound significance in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when audiences and experts alike revisited Contagion for its uncanny foresight and educational value. It became one of the most-streamed films worldwide and was frequently cited by scientists and public health professionals as one of the most accurate portrayals of a pandemic ever put on screen. Today, Contagion stands as both a cinematic achievement and a vital cultural document—illustrating the critical role of science, trust, and preparedness in the face of global crisis.

This special screening celebrates Contagion not just as a thriller, but as a powerful example of how cinema can illuminate real-world science, making it an ideal selection for the 2026 National Evening of Science on Screen.

2011. 106 min.

Rated PG-13 for disturbing content and some language.