Viral (2016)
A Blumhouse sci-fi horror about sisterhood, survival, and a parasite that tears a quarantined suburb apart from the inside out.
Viral - Movie Information
- Original Title: Viral
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 18, 2016 (Argentina), August 10, 2016 (Italy - T), January 26, 2017 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Peste (US), Viral (MX), מגפה (IL)
- Production Companies: IM Global Octane, Blumhouse Productions, Dimension Films, Busted Shark Productions, Chapter One Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Viral - Plot
Following the outbreak of a virus that wipes out the majority of the human population, a young woman documents her family's new life in quarantine and tries to protect her infected sister.
Viral - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the terror unfold as a quiet suburb descends into chaos:
Fear what's inside
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Viral - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Henry Joost
- Ariel Schulman
Main Cast
- Sofia Black-D'Elia
- Lio Tipton
- Travis Tope
- mgk
- Michael Kelly
- John Cothran
- Stoney Westmoreland
- Linzie Gray
- Judyann Elder
- Brianne Howey
Writers
- Christopher Landon
- Barbara Marshall
Producers
- Jason Blum
- Sherryl Clark
- Matt Kaplan
Viral - FAQs
What is the parasite in Viral (2016)?
In Viral, the parasite is a worm-like organism that spreads rapidly through the population, infecting hosts and altering their behavior. The film never names the parasite scientifically, keeping its origins deliberately vague to heighten dread. Its transmission and grotesque physical effects on infected individuals drive much of the horror.
Is Viral (2016) available on Netflix?
Yes, Viral (2016) is available to stream on Netflix. It can also be purchased or rented on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home, and watched for free on Plex Channel, giving viewers several options depending on their preferred platform.
Who are the main actors in Viral?
Viral stars Sofia Black-D'Elia as Emma Drakeford and Lio Tipton as her infected sister Stacey. The supporting cast includes Travis Tope, mgk, Michael Kelly as their father, Brianne Howey, John Cothran, Stoney Westmoreland, Linzie Gray, and Judyann Elder.
Does Stacey survive at the end of Viral?
The fate of Stacey, Emma's infected sister, is central to the film's emotional tension. As the parasite takes deeper hold, Emma faces an agonizing choice between protecting her sister and ensuring her own survival. The ending leans into ambiguity, prioritizing emotional impact over a clean resolution.
Who directed Viral (2016)?
Viral (2016) was directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, the duo best known for the documentary Catfish and their work on Paranormal Activity 3 and 4. Their background in found-footage and intimate character-driven storytelling strongly influenced Viral's grounded, claustrophobic approach to the outbreak genre.
What is Viral (2016) about?
Viral follows teenage sisters Emma and Stacey Drakeford as a mysterious parasite sweeps through their suburban town, forcing residents into quarantine. When Stacey becomes infected, Emma must navigate fear, isolation, and impossible choices to keep her family together. Critics praised its intimate focus on sisterhood amid genre thrills.
What is the age rating for Viral (2016)?
Viral (2016) is rated R by the MPA. The rating reflects the film's horror content, including disturbing parasite imagery, violence, and mature thematic material related to infection and survival. It is not recommended for younger audiences or those sensitive to body-horror elements.
What movies are similar to Viral (2016)?
Fans of Viral may enjoy other outbreak and body-horror films such as Dawn of the Dead (1978 and 2004), An American Werewolf in London (1981), and Halloween (1978). For something tonally similar in its suburban dread and character focus, Don't Worry, I'm Fine (2006) and Sunshine (2007) are also worth exploring.
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