Corona

Corona, directed by Mostafa Keshvari, and starring Andrea Stefancikova, Andy Canete, and Emy Aneke, paints a vivid picture of the incipient stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, using a single elevator as its core set piece.

Immersed in suspense and conflict, Corona takes a deep dive into the human psyche when fear and uncertainty takes hold. Evoking feelings of intense suspense, the movie takes place predominantly inside an elevator, where a diverse group of multivariate inhabitants are trapped in close quarters as news of the first COVID-19 case in their city hits the airwaves.

Each character represents a different socio-economic perspective within our society, including a Chinese woman, a racist elderly man, a married couple, a delivery man, and a pregnant individual. The elevator drama metaphorically acts as a microcosm of a larger society, encapsulating the vehement mix of fear, prejudice, and survival instincts set ablaze by the outbreak.

Andrea Stefancikova, who plays the character of 'Grandmother', adds a poignant touch to the narrative as a woman who, due to her age, falls into the most vulnerable category. Similarly, Andy Canete and Emy Aneke portray compelling characters who bring to life the inherent fear, suspicion, and paranoia that pervades the elevator, reflecting the global state of panic.

As the news of the virus continues to develop outside the enclosed world of the elevator, so does the tension within its walls. The innate fear of the unknown viscerally unfolds amidst the occupants as they frantically grapple with the safety precautions, social distancing, and backlash against presumed carriers of the virus, raising pertinent questions connected with xenophobia, racism, and societal blame during pandemic outbreaks.

Director Mostafa Keshvari's storytelling is uniquely engaging, using a single small space to magnify an array of human emotions and reactions. Corona shines a light on the stark reality of human nature when confronting the unexpected, largely encapsulating the early, uncertain days of the pandemic where misinformation and fear were rampant.

Yet while the film traverses dark tunnels of resentment and prejudice, it also veers into beams of hope and empathy. This clever juxtaposition crafts a balanced narrative that prompts audience reflection on the true nature of humanity, using fear as the driving force of the narrative to explore deeper societal issues.

Keshvari’s film, cast in the chilling shadow of the real-life pandemic, achieves a thought-provoking blend of realism and suspense. He intentionally exaggerates certain aspects of the unfolding drama and the character's individual responses to evoke a strong emotional response, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the fear and uncertainty that formed major aspects of the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Captivating performances by Stefancikova, Canete, and Aneke also contribute heavily to this psychological drama, their actions and reactions portraying a raw authenticity that's compelling to watch.

Director of photography, Pieter Stathis, succeeds in creating an intimate and claustrophobic visual experience that intensifies the angst-ridden narrative. Shot in one continuous take, the camera intimately follows each character, immersing viewers in their unique perspectives and escalating paranoia. This style of filming, along with polished production design and compelling performances, simulates an atmosphere of unnerving tension.

Overall, Corona is a stark and raw display of humanity's reaction to fear of the unknown, scapegoating, prejudice, and xenophobia that arose amid a global crisis. While it primarily looks at society through a negative lens, it also punctuates the narrative with critical moments of compassion, solidarity, and resilience, which serve as vital reminders of humanity's capacity for kindness, even in the darkest times.

The film is an engaging, thought-provoking exploration of society's response to the early stages of the pandemic. Corona is a raw, gripping and masterfully told construct of a society in flux, offering an introspective look into the frailties and fortitude of human nature. It skillfully uses the art of confinement to spotlight the human ability to reveal both the best and worst of themselves when faced with a crisis.