Why I’m Watching the Movie Outbreak During a Pandemic

[image error]Last night, while my husband and I decided what to watch on Netflix, we came across the 1995 movie, Outbreak. I haven’t seen the movie (yet), but the title pretty much says it all. I’m guessing there’s a major pandemic with Rene Russo, Morgan Freeman, and a side order of Dustin Hoffman. I really want to see this movie. What’s more, I want to see it now.

Right now, the U.S. seems to be (once again) divided. There are those who think the coronavirus is a hoax, or at the very least not to be worried about. Then there’s group B, the ones who are stocking up on toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Although I’m not expecting Armageddon, I will put myself in the second camp.

So why do I want to watch a movie about a pandemic when I’m already concerned?

Getting scared is exactly why I like horror in the first place. It’s cathartic. When I watch a movie like Outbreak in the middle of a mess like we’ve got, it’s like spitting in the devil’s eye. Sure, you can huff and puff, but I refuse to cower in fear.

My son and I were talking today about a board game he owns called ‘Pandemic’. It’s a fun game in which players try to stop a virus from taking over the world, and we both said how we’d like to play a round. According to my son, the key to winning is Madagascar. Own that island, and you’ll come out on top every time.

That’s how I hope my loved ones (you too, readers!) and I will fare over the foreseeable future: fine. If we are quarantined, I plan on watching Outbreak, 28 Days Later, and Train to Busan.

That is, if I haven’t moved to Madagascar first.

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All Ethan wants is a normal life. Too bad the ghosts won’t let him have one.

[image error]Everywhere he goes, Ethan is haunted by spirits demanding his attention. He’s tried to help them, but all it’s done is wreck his career and ruin his reputation. Now, he’s learned his lesson. He’ll never get involved with another spirit.

Then David calls.

David, Ethan’s former boyfriend and one true love, begs Ethan for a favor. David’s sister Tessa is slowly going mad. Her husband and doctor claim it’s due to the recent loss of her child. Only David believes that she’s being haunted. He’s sure that Ethan’s second sight is the one thing that will help her.

Casting heartache aside, Ethan agrees. The minute he steps through the door of their desolate, old house, however, he knows something is wrong. It’s not the faulty wiring or the drafty rooms. No, it’s the spirits haunting the place. They’re hungry, angry, and determined to make him their next target.