Watch The Wasting

The Wasting is a 2017 drama-horror film about a group of friends who must battle a mysterious illness that is causing rapid aging and death among the young people of their small town. The film follows the lead character, Sophie (Alexz Johnson), who is a troubled teenager struggling to find her place in the world. When she starts experiencing strange symptoms, including rapid weight loss and premature aging, she becomes convinced that she is dying.

Sophie's mother, Mary (Shelagh McLeod), is a single parent and struggling artist who is desperately trying to connect with her daughter while battling her own demons. Together, the two women must confront the terrifying reality of the wasting disease and fight to save Sophie's life.

As the disease spreads throughout the town, other young people start to show symptoms, and panic starts to set in. The local authorities are helpless to stop the outbreak, and it seems like the only hope for the town is to find a cure before it's too late.

One of the key themes of The Wasting is the fear of mortality and the struggle to find purpose in life. Sophie and her friends are all grappling with the idea that their lives may be cut short, and they are forced to confront their own mortality in a way that no teenager should have to.

Another key theme of the film is the power of community and the importance of coming together in difficult times. As the disease spreads, the characters must all work together to find a solution, and their shared experiences bring them closer together.

The performances in The Wasting are all strong, with Alexz Johnson delivering a nuanced and emotional portrayal of a young woman facing her own mortality. Shelagh McLeod is also excellent as the devoted mother struggling to support her daughter while dealing with her own personal demons.

Gray O'Brien plays a doctor who is trying to find a cure for the disease, and he brings a sense of gravitas and professionalism to the role. The supporting cast is also strong, with standout performances from Kyle Mac as Sophie's love interest, and Laura Harris as a local teacher trying to help the young people cope with the outbreak.

The cinematography in The Wasting is moody and atmospheric, with a sense of foreboding and tension that builds as the disease spreads. The use of light and shadow is particularly effective, with many scenes shot in the gloomy darkness of Sophie's family home.

The film's score is also noteworthy, with a haunting and melancholic soundtrack that underscores the characters' fear and uncertainty. Overall, The Wasting is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that explores the universal themes of mortality, community, and the struggle to find meaning in life.

The Wasting is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.0.