Breakout

Breakout was an eco thriller broadcast by the BBC in 1997. Directed by Moira Armstrong a respectable veteran who started out in the early 1960s.

Two people nearby are struck down by a mystery virus. The doctors at the hospital are left stumped. Later a third person is struck down, one of them later dies.

Dr Lisa Temple (Samantha Bond) worked for a research lab. It created a genetically engineered pesticide to kill insects. It seems that the virus meant to affect insects has jumped into mammals.

Dr Temple together with her ex, Dr Neil McFarlane (Neil Dudgeon) investigate. They figure that someone in their research labs might have cut corners or did unethical research.

Breakout was a television movie hot on the heels of feature films such as Outbreak.

Unfortunately this was is too talky and turgid. It drags and the thriller element is tacked on at the end.

It needed a newer director with fresher ideas.