The 1918 flu pandemic went unremarked in silent movies. Film-makers depicted outbreaks long past or from fictional sources. Hollywood has applied similar denialism to recent crises. Not until Philadelphia (1993) did a mainstream film truly address the AIDS epidemic. After September 11, Hollywood digitally removed shots of the Twin Towers. Spike Lee's 25th Hour stood out for acknowledging post-9/11 reality. By examining the historical precedent, it becomes evident that Hollywood's avoidance of the pandemic is part of a pattern.

Great film-making helps us make sense of our troubled current era, of which the pandemic is an unignorable piece. Cinema has always helped us process the world. Movies willing to acknowledge the reality of the pandemic can provide catharsis and a sense of shared experience. By pointing at the massive thing that happened, filmmakers can help audiences navigate collective trauma. It is time for Hollywood to embrace the responsibility of cinema as a medium that reflects and interprets the world we live in.

Film-makers have a unique opportunity to shape cultural narratives and influence public perceptions. By avoiding the pandemic, Hollywood risks perpetuating a narrative that ignores or trivializes real-world struggles. The power of film lies in its ability to challenge societal norms and provoke critical thinking. By embracing pandemic storytelling, film-makers can contribute to a larger conversation about the current state of the world and encourage audiences to reflect on their own experiences. It is time for Hollywood to step up and use its platform to address the most pressing issues of our time.