Viral (2016 film)
Viral is a 2016 American science fiction horror film directed by Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost, and written by Barbara Marshall and Christopher Landon. The film stars Sofia Black-D'Elia, Analeigh Tipton, Travis Tope, and Michael Kelly.
Plot Summary:
The film centers on teenage sisters Emma and Stacey, who move to a new town with their father after their mother's death. Their lives are disrupted when a parasitic virus spreads rapidly through their high school and town, turning people into violent, zombie-like creatures. The town is quarantined, leaving Emma and Stacey to barricade themselves in their home with their neighbor, Evan. As the virus continues to spread and evolve, the sisters must fight to survive and protect each other while facing increasingly difficult choices. The narrative focuses on their desperate attempts to understand the virus and find a way to survive amidst the escalating chaos and infection.
Cast:
- Sofia Black-D'Elia as Emma Drakeford
- Analeigh Tipton as Stacey Drakeford
- Travis Tope as Evan Klein
- Michael Kelly as Michael Drakeford
- Machine Gun Kelly as CJ
- Stoney Westmoreland as Mr. Toomey
Production:
The film was shot in Atlanta, Georgia in the fall of 2014. Blumhouse Productions produced the film, known for its low-budget horror films.
Release:
Viral was released on digital platforms on July 29, 2016, before being released in a limited number of theaters.
Reception:
The film generally received mixed to negative reviews, with critics citing predictable plot elements and a lack of originality. Its budget was relatively low, reflecting Blumhouse's common approach to horror filmmaking.