Review: Antiviral

Antiviral is the 2012 feature debut from Brandon Cronenberg. Taking after his father, this film is a foray into the body horror sub-genre, providing a bloody exploration into the dangers of celebrity obsession. Set in the dystopic near-future, society has continued this obsession to a point of absurdism. It appears magazines like Heat just aren't cutting it anymore, and fans instead have the opportunity to achieve a far more intimate, physical connection. Meat is grown from cloned celebrity tissue to be sold in restaurants and similarly, skin can be grafted on to the bodies of hardcore admirers. Most importantly however, is the new-found ability for fans to infect themselves with the same pathogens that their favorite celebrity has caught.

The Lucas Clinic is one of the sole providers of this service, for whom Syd March (Caleb Landry Jones) works as a live virus salesman. In addition to poaching the illnesses from celebrities, March also injects himself with them to consequently sell on the black market. His continual depleting health is exacerbated however, when he harbors a particularly tenacious disease from celebrity Hannah Geist (Sarah Gadon) - his own personal obsession. March fears for his life and ventures out to discover the source of the disease. With a hope to find a cure, investigation ensues, yet the disease proves to perhaps be more than he can handle. 
The narrative concept of Antiviral is a relevant, contemporary issue that makes a rather poignant, effective parable regarding celebrity culture. Just how far will a fan go to feel close to their beloved? and just what are they willing to sacrifice? The harrowing results of a fan's literal, biological consumption of their favored celebrity is an interesting premise, and one nicely explored using March as the main protagonist. His drawn out deterioration (performed well by Jones) is continuously detailed throughout, in accompanying, visceral sequences. 
In one particular moment, March sits sprouting cables from the flesh of his wrists, sporting a blood filter in place of his mouth. This is a prime example of the strong, metaphysical imagery Antiviral boasts, that not only details the aforementioned deterioration associated with this next-level fandom, but also delirium and desperation. Furthermore, throughout there is a consistent, clever use of thick, red blood - tubed or spewed in abundance - to wonderfully contrast the white, sterile walls of March's surroundings, stylishly shot by Karim Hussain's cinematography. If there is anything from Antiviral that will inject your mind, it will be these oddly compelling, corn-syrup-centered moments.

Yet try as the production team might, something is nevertheless lacking about this film. Despite the imagery, the films' message or stylish production, a slightly convoluted plot and misjudged pacing detracts from a wholly immersive experience. These minor issues create an unfortunate detachment that undeniably dilute Antiviral's shock factor. 
Regardless, this is a strong debut from Cronenberg - so from pathogens to genetics, like father like son, we can expect many more great and disturbing things from this young director.
Have you seen Antiviral? What were your thoughts? Post a comment!