At first Montanans were not alarmed; influenza came and went with the seasons. But this virus was lethal. The 1918 influenza killed more people than WWI & WWII combined. This film explores six individual stories of how Montanans met this public health crisis. People helped each other in unexpected ways. What was the balance of trauma and resilience?
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Review by Julie C. Sheppard
Blue Death: The 1918 Influenza in Montana is an epic film project elucidating moving details about this tragic event in history. The film does an exceptional job setting the stage of what must have been a terrifying experience for the people of the time, including for those who actually survived after losing many so loved ones around them to this flu.
The factual details of the event are clearly explained by articulate historians, who are sensitive to both the physical ailments of the illness and the surrounding societal problems, such as blatant racism towards health care providers. Archival photos are well-selected, often capturing educational and military institutions of the time.
In addition to two dimensional photos, evocative dramatizations by talented performers make the film all the more moving and multi-dimensional. The diverse group of people who persevered and made notable contributions to society during this flu are properly remembered and honoured, each with compelling vignettes. Another memorable feature of the film is the breathtaking cinematography of the land in Montana, both rugged and lovely.
With obvious comparisons that we can understand given Covid 19, this evocative documentary of the 1918 Influenza brings human bravery to the forefront.
Festival Reviews 