Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lots of yelling, jump scares in poor zombie-outbreak movie.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Patient Zero
What's the Story?
In PATIENT ZERO, an outbreak of a rabies-like virus has turned millions of people into "the Infected." In an underground bunker, the military stands guard while a group of scientists, led by Dr. Gina Rose (Natalie Dormer), tries to find a cure. Former schoolteacher-turned-record store owner Morgan (Matt Smith) was bitten but didn't turn; his unique situation allows him to communicate with the Infected. He questions them and tries to find Patient Zero, the first Infected, whose blood the scientists hope to use as a serum. But just when they think they know everything about these violent creatures, in comes an Infected known only as "the professor" (Stanley Tucci). He seems smarter than the others, capable of deceit. He even asserts that the Infected are actually more evolved -- and that this is the future. Can Morgan hang on to his humanity?
Is It Any Good?
This quasi-zombie action movie eventually wanders cluelessly off track, but, as it consists mainly of yelling, sudden loud noises, and camera-shaking, it gets aggravating long before that happens. Patient Zero was shelved, delayed, and re-scheduled several times before finally being released. (Like that old Hollywood joke: It wasn't released, it escaped.) It's not clear whether there were re-shoots or it was just a rough screenplay, but the entire concept of "patient zero" -- and the entire theme of the movie -- are simply tossed away in the third act.
What's more, the dialogue is frequently overwritten and over-explanatory. The main character speaks opening and closing narration that's positively eye-rolling, perhaps in an effort to tie things together. Director Stefan Ruzowitzky seems entirely unsuited to this movie, unsure of how to generate suspense or tingles, so he keeps the camera wobbling, punctuates attacks with loud, sudden bangs, and instructs everyone to shout -- or, in Tucci's case, to mug for the camera. (Fortunately, Tucci is good at mugging, and his performance offers the only fun to be had.) Overall, this stuff is all old hat, done already in a dozen zombie movies, and Patient Zero feels like a cheap, oblivious attempt to join in on the craze.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Patient Zero's violence. How much is shown? Is it meant to shock or thrill? How can you tell? How would you describe its impact?
Is the movie scary? What's the appeal of scary movies?
Is this a zombie movie, or is it more about an outbreak? If the former, how does it compare to other zombie movies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 14, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : October 23, 2018
- Cast : Natalie Dormer , Stanley Tucci , Matt Smith
- Director : Stefan Ruzowitzky
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : bloody violence, language, and some sexual content
- Last updated : January 24, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate