‘Fear is a virus’
Corona is a 2020 Canadian thriller film about neighbours that are trapped in an elevator with a young Chinese woman they suspect has COVID-19; accusations and racism spread among them faster than a virus.
Written, produced and directed by Mostafa Keshvari, the GrandMuse Pictures Andrea Stefancikova, Andy Canete, Emy Aneke, Josh Blacker, Richard Lett, Traei Tsai and Zarina Sterling.
Reviews:
“Besides the slightly pretentious dialogue exchange between the characters, I appreciate the symbolism tied with the story’s mise en scene and its relevance to Keshvari’s thesis. The elevator is a representation of the world, indicating that we are actually closer to each other than we appear; consequently, our independent actions will have immediate impact on everyone else.” Christine’s Cinema Corner
“Overall, a pretty weak, unconvincing and rather frustrating story that the world probably doesn’t need right now, but one that was acted well by all involved and filmed to a good standard.” The DC Review
“The elevator is full of life, death, racism, forgiveness, distrust, anger, loneliness, compassion, hatred, sadness and love. The film is a gritty piece of first-class Canadian filmmaking and strangely a degree of harmony and togetherness is obtained after an emotional and intense roller coaster of emotions and surprises.” Set the Bar
Trailer:
Full film – free to watch online on YouTube:
Release date:
Corona premiered at the Rhode Island International Film Festival on August 8, 2020. It was released online by Level 33 Entertainment on September 1, 2020.
Cast and characters:
Andrea Stefancikova … Pregnant woman; Andy Canete … Debtor tenant; Emy Aneke … Elevator repair; Josh Blacker … Landlord; Richard Lett … Man in the wheelchair; Traei Tsai … Chinese nurse; Zarina Sterling … Teenager; Parker Chen … Radio Anchor VO (voice); Ali Ghahary … Radio Anchor VO (voice); Desirée Monsuraté … Radio Anchor VO (voice)
Filming locations:
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Film facts:
The entire film was improvised by the actors in a single take in an elevator following an outline written by Mostafa Keshvari who got the idea while in a lift and reading news about racist attacks on Asian tourists around the world.
