State of Emergency (1994 film)

State of Emergency is a 1994 American made-for-television thriller film directed by David Jackson and starring Bruce Greenwood, Treat Williams, and Michael Ironside. The film depicts a fictional scenario where a biological weapon is unleashed in a major American city, leading to a state of emergency and a desperate race against time to contain the outbreak.

The plot centers around a virologist, Dr. Miles Kepler (played by Bruce Greenwood), who discovers a deadly new virus being developed for biological warfare. When the virus is accidentally released, Kepler must work with government officials and military personnel to prevent a catastrophic pandemic. The film explores themes of bioterrorism, governmental response to crisis, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the development and use of biological weapons. It highlights the potential chaos and social breakdown that could result from such an event.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its suspenseful plot and realistic portrayal of a potential bioterrorist attack, while others criticized its somewhat predictable storyline and over-the-top action sequences. Despite the mixed reception, ''State of Emergency'' remains a notable example of the made-for-television thriller genre of the 1990s, and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of biological weapons. The film's depiction of a city descending into chaos under a state of emergency offers a glimpse into the potential consequences of such a crisis. The character dynamics and the tension between different agencies involved in the response also contribute to the film's narrative.