A pandemic-themed thriller about a Canadian virologist abducted by the Chinese regime in a plot to weaponize his research and unleash a “mysterious” disease outbreak is set to arrive in Canadian theatres next month.
“The Unrestricted War” tells the story of Jim, a leading Canadian virologist living in Beijing who is coerced by Chinese agents into stealing a sample of his previous work from a laboratory in Winnipeg, later triggering an outbreak in Wuhan, China. The film will be released in Canadian theatres on May 16.
Filmed and produced in Canada, the movie was directed by Toronto-based filmmaker Yan Ma. It is inspired by true events.
“Making this film took not just talent and hard work, but courage. As a Chinese Canadian filmmaker, I’ve seen firsthand the risks involved in telling stories like this,” Ma said.
“Our team never backed down, because we knew it was a story that demanded to be told. This film doesn’t offer all the answers, but it opens a window to a reality we can’t afford to ignore.”
Risking espionage charges and the loss of everything he has in China, Jim, whose wife was also abducted, follows the Chinese regime’s directive to steal a sample from Winnipeg’s P4 laboratory, despite his conviction that he is committing a “crime against humanity.”
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As people begin to fall ill from a contagious disease causing high fever, severe headaches, and breathing difficulties, the Canadian virologist finds himself at a crossroads, grappling with how to escape China, protect his family, and expose the truth behind the outbreak.
The film stars Vancouver-born Dylan Bruce, who plays Jim. With an acting career spanning nearly two decades, Bruce is known for his role as Chris Hughes on the CBS daytime drama “As the World Turns,” and as Paul Dierden in the Canadian television series “Orphan Black.”
The film also stars Nadia Hatta and Terry Chen.
Director Ma’s previous works include “Up We Soar,” a Canadian-produced documentary released in 2020 that tells the story of a 7-year-old girl in communist China who was forced to live her teenage years alone after her parents were imprisoned for their faith.
“The Unrestricted War” is being distributed by Toronto-based Sherry Media Group, whose recent releases include “Reagan” starring Dennis Quaid, the documentary “Am I Racist,” and the animated feature “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie.”
Sherry Media Group’s CEO Jim Sherry calls Ma’s latest production “an unrelenting thriller that not only entertains but also provokes thoughtful discussion.”
“We are thrilled to bring Yan Ma’s visionary storytelling to audiences across Canada. I believe it will resonate deeply with audiences and spark important conversations,” Sherry said.
