Virus as Metaphor: Microbiology and ’28 Days Later’

July 7, 2003 | Source: New York Times

The terrifying new movie, “28 Days Later,” shows that microbial plagues have displaced nuclear winter in the public’s mind as the way the world will end.

However, the “Rage” virus, which produces dramatic effects within 20 seconds, transforming its victims into enraged, wild-eyed, indiscriminate killers and quickly spreading worldwide, is unrealistic.