Staycation

A feature-length sci-fi horror comedy directed by Russ Emanuel, written by Emile Harris and starring Sean Kenney, Olivia d'Abo, Catherine LaSalle, Lilly Ivring, Gilles Stricher and Bailey Sorrel.

A worldwide pandemic is taking place and people are in lockdown and wearing face masks. No, it is not the COVID-19 outbreak but another dangerous virus that reduces people to a catatonic state. Riots are taking place everywhere and everyone is afraid. In the United States, lead virologist Professor Edward Bellows (Kenney) is trying to develop a vaccine, while roomates Britt (LaSalle) and Marnie (Ivring) are struggling to cope with living in lockdown and young couple Cathy (Sorrel) and Matt (Stricher) have been separated because of the pandemic.

Made during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and filmed on location in Australia, France, Tanzania, Thailand and the United States, this film has an interesting way of telling a story about a global pandemic from multiple perspectives, be it scientists, journalists or everyday people. Ultimately, there is no main character, but rather, several characters who are the protagonists. Through the storylines of Bellows focusing on a vaccine and being interviewed by the media, the two roomates trying to get through the outbreak, numerous news reports, podcasts and less about the couple, the filmmakers create a story about a world that is on the brink of collapse. Each sequence plays it part in contributing to the plot. The feature benefits primarily from the amusing performances, the intriguing plot, the light-hearted music by Vasilis Milesis and the plenty of tracks by American composer and music producer Kevin MacLeod. Plus, the make-up effects applied to the people infected by the virus are to be commended.

Throughout the film, there are many satirical advertisements that involve a clown-themed vitamin, wine and tea. While these are amusing in their own way, one might wonder what their exact purpose is, how they contribute to the viewing experience apart from a little amusement? Is their presence necessary?

There are many characters and the acting is strong. The performances are entertaining, however, they are also dramatic at certain points, adding quality to the feature.

Obviously, one of the main themes here is life during a pandemic, with people isolating themselves and communicating via computers. The film is also a commentary about mass hysteria, public opinion, the influence social media has on people and consumerism. It also looks into the gun culture in the United States.

This feature was evidently influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and people who experienced that outbreak will almost certainly indentify with the plot of this feature. There is not much action (very little actually) and the appearances of the infected are brief and therefore, this film should probably be appreciated mostly because of the themes that it explores rather than as an exciting story.