Variola vera

"Variola Vera" is probably one of the best drama performances in Serbian cinematography. The reason for that lies in the trueness of the background story. A smallpox epidemic did hit Yugoslavia in 1972., thus being the last appearance of this deadly disease on European soil.

Although "Variola Vera" is an adaptation with fictional characters, the atmosphere throughout the entire movie is as real as it gets. It does make you feel the fear of an invisible enemy, a deadly disease in a quarantined environment, with no knowing what tomorrow brings. That's what makes a good drama. I was scared the first time I've seen it, and I still do.

Brilliant acting by the best Serbian and Yugoslavian cast, realistic environment, a storyline with a clean development and the solid directing work by Goran Markovic make "Variola Vera" a timeless classic and a must see for everyone who likes real time horror.

What could be better, and that's a fact with 90% Yugoslav movies from the era, is the photography, lab work and sound. Still, even with such flaws "Variola Vera" will make a deep impression. Enjoy.