Is Contagious Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Contagious is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 103 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Contagious Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1997, Contagious emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Drama, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When cholera-tainted shrimp from Mexico is served to people on a Los Angeles-bound plane, an outbreak ensues and a doctor sets out to find and contain the source before it turns into an epidemic. Unlike standard genre fare, Contagious attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Contagious features a noteworthy lineup led by Lindsay Wagner . Supported by the likes of Elizabeth Peña and Ken Pogue , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Contagious (1997) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Contagious Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Contagious is a Thriller, Drama, TV Movie film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Contagious Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Contagious attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Contagious reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Contagious?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Contagious
- Lindsay Wagner – Dr. Hannah Cole
- Elizabeth Peña – Det. Luisa Rojas
- Ken Pogue – George Ryburn
- Brendan Fletcher – Brian
- Tom Wopat – Sam
Top Highlights
Lindsay WagnerDr. Hannah Cole
Elizabeth PeñaDet. Luisa Rojas
Ken PogueGeorge Ryburn
Brendan FletcherBrian
Tom WopatSam
Alexandra PurvisJulie
Matt HillCarl Freedman
Gerard PlunkettSklar
Johnny CuthbertVic
Bill CroftGerard
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Contagious is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.3/10, and global collection metrics, Contagious stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Contagious movie hit or flop?
Contagious is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.3/10 and lower collections.
Is Contagious worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.3/10, Contagious may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Contagious online?
Contagious may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
