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Rich Flu (2024) is a Spanish psychological thriller directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, known for his mind-bending work on The Platform. In this darkly satirical tale, a mysterious illness begins targeting the ultra-wealthy—starting with billionaires and making its way down the wealth ladder. As people scramble to divest their riches, the very concept of value, privilege, and survival begins to implode.
With an eerie atmosphere and a bold critique of modern capitalism, Rich Flu imagines a world where affluence itself is lethal—and where humanity must reckon with its obsession with materialism. The film premiered at the 57th Sitges Film Festival, leaving audiences both disturbed and deeply contemplative.
Plot Summary
A strange and deadly disease begins killing the richest people in the world. Billionaires drop dead first, then millionaires, and soon the contagion begins creeping down the financial ladder. As the illness becomes associated with wealth, global panic erupts. People try to discard their assets—money, jewels, even property—but the sickness doesn't discriminate between inherited fortune or new money.
Caught in the middle is a desperate man and his family, trying to rid themselves of wealth before the flu claims them. Society falls into chaos, and the very structure of class begins to collapse. In a race against both disease and social collapse, characters are forced to examine whether survival is worth more than morality.
Character Analysis
Laura (Mary Elizabeth Winstead)
A woman torn between fear and empathy, Laura provides a strong emotional core. Her skepticism and resilience help navigate the viewer through a collapsing society.
Miharu (Rafe Spall)
Miharu's arc as a privileged man in freefall shows the corrosive effect of wealth and fear. Rafe Spall plays him with increasing desperation and moral decay.
Private James (Lorraine Bracco)
A voice of reason amid chaos, her military background gives her command—but even that can't shield her from the invisible virus or its social repercussions.
Themes and Messages
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Wealth as a Curse | The film flips the traditional narrative, making wealth a source of danger rather than comfort. |
| Societal Collapse | As the rich die, the structure of society unravels, showing how fragile power hierarchies truly are. |
| Materialism | The film critiques humanity’s attachment to value, status, and property when survival becomes the only currency. |
| Moral Reckoning | Characters must choose between protecting their own lives and the lives of others, often at the cost of their fortune—or their soul. |
Cinematography and Direction
Gaztelu-Urrutia crafts a grim, oppressive atmosphere full of muted colors and sterile urban environments. The camera lingers, often uncomfortably, forcing viewers to confront the anxieties of the characters and the broader message.
His direction borrows from psychological horror as much as dystopian fiction, using claustrophobic framing and silence to build dread. The minimal soundtrack only enhances the tension, allowing the sound of breathing, heartbeats, and empty rooms to say everything.
Performances
Mary Elizabeth Winstead: delivers a grounded and empathetic performance, anchoring the chaos with a believable vulnerability.
Rafe Spall: shines in his descent from arrogance to desperation, embodying the terrifying collapse of status and identity.
Lorraine Bracco: is commanding, bringing moral clarity and authority in a world spinning out of control.
Critical Reception
Critics largely praised Rich Flu for its audacious concept and brutal critique of capitalism. Many likened it to Parasite meets Contagion, citing its unnerving relevance in a post-pandemic world. While some found the execution heavy-handed, most appreciated the risk-taking narrative.
Controversial Opinions
Some viewers felt that the film demonized the wealthy in overly simplistic ways, missing nuance in its class critique. Others argued the idea of “selling your wealth to survive” might glamorize minimalism rather than critique systemic inequality.
The ending, which leaves key fates unresolved, also split audiences—some praised the ambiguity, others wanted clearer resolution.
FAQs
- Is Rich Flu (2024) based on a true story?
No, it’s a speculative thriller with fictional elements meant to critique real-world economic systems. - Who directed the movie?
Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, known for The Platform. - Is it available on streaming?
It premiered at film festivals and is expected to be available on streaming platforms post-release. - Is it a horror film?
Not strictly—it's a psychological thriller with dystopian and suspense elements. - Does it contain gore or violence?
Minimal gore, but intense psychological dread and disturbing themes. - What is the Rich Flu in the film?
A mysterious disease that kills people based on their wealth, moving down the socioeconomic ladder. - What languages is it available in?
Primarily in English and Spanish, with subtitles available. - Is it politically charged?
Yes, it has strong social commentary on wealth, capitalism, and privilege. - Are there any sci-fi elements?
While grounded in realism, the premise itself leans into speculative sci-fi territory. - Will there be a sequel?
There’s no official announcement yet, but the open ending suggests potential for more stories.