My quick rating - 3.8/10. Another flick attempts to ride the wave of pandemic-themed thrillers but unfortunately derails almost as spectacularly as the fictional train that sets off its chaotic narrative. Set in Sydney, the film opens with a catastrophic train derailment that plunges the city into immediate disarray. However, budget constraints mean viewers must rely on their imaginations for what should have been a dramatic, pulse-pounding sequence. Following the derailment, a biological gas attack leaves survivors collapsing and dying within minutes, setting off a rapidly spreading sickness that sends the city into panic. This premise, rife with potential for intense, edge-of-your-seat moments, quickly reveals itself to be a superficial take on a bio-thriller. The film's lack of genuine horror is replaced by an onslaught of what appears to be thinly veiled political commentary. It seems more focused on mocking "Trump"-like supporters rather than building a cohesive and terrifying storyline. Zoe Carides stands out as the film's lone bright spot, delivering a performance that deserves a far better script and supporting cast. The rest of the cast, unfortunately, is largely forgettable, struggling to bring depth to their underdeveloped characters. This lack of engaging characters makes it difficult for viewers to invest in their plights, further diminishing the film’s impact. The climax, if it can be called that, is a major letdown. Just when you expect the narrative to take a gripping turn or provide some form of resolution, it falls flat, leaving you with a sense of unfinished business. The anti-climactic ending feels more like a sudden stop rather than a satisfying conclusion, capping off a film that had already been teetering on the edge of mediocrity. Ultimately, the movie fails to deliver on multiple fronts. What could have been a taut, timely thriller ends up as a muddled piece of propaganda that barely scares and hardly entertains. That 3.8 rating is a generous reflection of its few redeeming qualities, most notably Carides' performance. Unless you're in the mood for a disappointment, it's best to skip this one.
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