Eradication (2022): A Micro-Budget Pandemic Thriller with Unexpected Depth
Released in 2022 as a Tubi Original, Eradication is an indie sci-fi thriller directed by Daniel Byers and co-written by its lead actor, Harry Aspinwall. With a tight runtime of 87 minutes, the film explores post-pandemic isolation and psychological tension through a minimalist approach, taking place mostly in a secluded mountain setting.
The story follows David Baldwin, played by Aspinwall, a man who is an asymptomatic carrier of a deadly virus. For two years, David has lived in complete isolation in a remote cabin, monitored by drones and following a strict routine governed by an egg timer. His only contact with the outside world is through video calls with his wife, Sam, an epidemiologist who is working to develop a cure using David’s unique blood. When communication with Sam abruptly stops, David grows suspicious and ventures beyond his quarantine zone, only to uncover disturbing truths about his condition and the world outside.
The film leans heavily on its Appalachian forest backdrop to create a haunting, isolated atmosphere. The use of natural light, stillness, and eerie silence builds slow-burning tension. Instead of traditional monsters or jump scares, Eradication takes a psychological and speculative approach to horror. The infected in this universe display vampire-like traits such as aversion to sunlight and a thirst for blood—presented in a scientific, grounded way rather than through supernatural lore. A mysterious government force in hazmat suits, surveillance drones, and blood collection protocols all suggest a dystopian system operating under extreme paranoia.
Despite its limited budget, the film achieves a high level of visual and thematic coherence. David’s emotional unraveling is central to the plot, and Aspinwall’s performance gives weight to a character who spends much of the film in solitude. His gradual transformation from compliant subject to a desperate survivor is compelling, even if the pacing is slow at times. Anita Abdinezhad as Sam provides a warm but distant presence, adding emotional stakes to the narrative.
Critical responses to Eradication were mixed. Some praised it as an intelligent and creative take on pandemic-related horror, applauding its atmosphere, thoughtful execution, and the twist on the concept of vampirism. Others noted its strong cinematography and the way it blends survival horror with social commentary. However, many viewers were less impressed, criticizing its sluggish pace, lack of plot development, and overuse of motifs like the egg timer. Some found the film repetitive and lacking in tension, pointing out gaps in logic and unrealistic survival choices.
Still, Eradication stands out for what it attempts within its constraints. It avoids clichés often seen in pandemic thrillers, opting instead for a quiet, cerebral tone. Its emphasis on isolation, mistrust, and bodily fear taps into real-world anxieties amplified during global health crises.
In conclusion, Eradication is a divisive yet intriguing low-budget film that blends pandemic science fiction with psychological and body horror. Though not for everyone, it may appeal to viewers who enjoy slow-burning, atmosphere-driven thrillers that focus more on internal tension than action or gore. It's a reminder that even with limited resources, a strong concept and committed performances can carry a film far.
