Watch A Plague So Pleasant

A Plague So Pleasant is a 2013 independent horror-comedy film directed by Benjamin R. Moody, who also stars in the film as a character named Clay. The movie follows the story of a group of friends in a post-apocalyptic world where a deadly virus has wiped out most of the population. They are among the few survivors that have remained immune to the virus and now struggle to find meaning in their existence as they cope with isolation and the emptiness of the world around them.

The film opens with a surreal and eerie sequence in which a little girl comes down with the virus and succumbs to it. The impact of the virus on people's lives is further underscored in a sequence that follows where we see different families mourning the loss of their loved ones. We also learn that the government has initiated a vaccination program, but for reasons not explained in the movie, it has failed to make a difference.

The story then centers on the lead character, Clay, who is portrayed as a restless and disillusioned person. He spends his days holed up in his home and his nights getting drunk at a local bar. One day, he reconnects with an old friend, Zoe, played by Eva Boehnke, who is also immune to the virus. The two decide to take a road trip together to find other survivors and possibly build a new community.

While on their journey, they meet other survivors, including a man named Simon, played by David Chandler, and his sister, Emily, played by Maxwell Moody. Simon is a former schoolteacher who now spends his days delivering eulogies for people who have died from the virus. Emily, on the other hand, is a young woman who has embraced the embrace the chaos of the new world order and seems to find meaning in the randomness of life.

The movie has a dark, grim mood, which complements the apocalyptic landscape of the story. However, there are moments of levity and humor that provide respite from the gloomy atmosphere. The humor in the film is primarily derived from the characters' interactions and their various quirks. For instance, Clay's stubborn determination to play his favorite song on the guitar, which he keeps searching for, adds a humorous touch to the film.

The film's strengths lie in its subtle exploration of the human condition in the face of an overwhelming and catastrophic event. The story offers a poignant commentary on the fragility and transience of life and the human spirit's ability to find purpose and meaning, even in the bleakest circumstances.

The performances of the actors, especially the leads, are commendable. Eva Boehnke, who plays Zoe, brings an understated intensity to her character, while David Chandler, who plays Simon, delivers a nuanced performance, conveying his character's sadness and isolation flawlessly. Maxwell Moody, who plays Emily, adds a vital spark to the film with her unpredictable and unhinged character.

The cinematography and the film's visual style is impressive, with the use of handheld cameras, natural lighting, and desaturated color palette creating an eerie and realistic atmosphere. The sound design is also noteworthy, with a haunting score and ambient soundscape adding to the film's unsettling ambiance.

In conclusion, A Plague So Pleasant is a well-crafted and thoughtful indie horror-comedy film that offers a unique perspective on the post-apocalyptic genre. The film explores the human condition in the face of a catastrophic event, delivering poignant commentary on life, death, and the human spirit's resilience. The movie's strengths lie in its subtlety, performances, and visual style, making it an excellent watch for fans of the genre.

A Plague So Pleasant is a 2015 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.