Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence, language in greed-themed apocalyptic thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Rich Flu
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
RICH FLU is set in the near future, where Laura (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is climbing to the top of the corporate ladder and finds herself with an opportunity to lead her company's philanthropic division—making money through "charitable" acts. But just as her earnings start to skyrocket beyond her dreams, a mysterious deadly virus is reported around the world. Initially targeting famous names, it spreads to the wealthy 1%, who desperately try to offload their assets in an attempt to stay alive. Laura must figure out how to save herself and her family—daughter Anna (Dixie Egerickx), separated husband Toni (Rafe Spall), and estranged mother Martha (Lorraine Bracco)—in a world where her very privilege has become a curse.
Is It Any Good?
The central premise of this satirical sci-fi thriller is an interesting one that questions what happens if there's a shift that crumbles society's capitalist structures—in this case, a very deadly shift. However, Rich Flu feels a little one-note, and everything is pretty on-the-nose. It's full of stereotypes—a corporate meeting makes fun of the use of "equality" and "trauma"—and the script feels clunky in places, where perceptions could have been smarter. The performances are solid and there are some memorable moments (including the breakout of hysteria on a private jet). But the rules of the virus are confusing, and take away any real sense of moral allegory: If a person suddenly signs over their wealth to another or gets rid of their assets, are they saved? Even if their sole purpose was self-preservation? Things lag a bit in the second half, when Laura and her family are forced on the run and become refugees. But this is an entertaining enough movie that may spark some thought and debate among viewers, even if the message isn't quite as impactful as it could be.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the themes of wealth and capitalism in Rich Flu. How were the wealthy portrayed? What message do you think the film sends about collecting large amounts of money while others go without?
Talk about the film's violence. Was it shocking? Thrilling? Both? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
How was central character Laura portrayed? How did her life change during the movie? Did her priorities change? Did you think she learned anything?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain kind of language expected in a film like this?
Which characters showed positive traits? Did any show empathy, kindness, or self-sacrifice? Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times you've shown any of them in your life?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 5, 2026
- Cast : Mary Elizabeth Winstead , Rafe Spall , Lorraine Bracco
- Director : Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : VRC
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : June 12, 2026
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