Watch Brain Dead

Brain Dead is a 1990 horror-comedy directed by Adam Simon about a group of researchers who accidentally unleash a deadly virus that mutates their test subjects, turning them into violent killers. The film stars Bill Pullman as Dr. Rex Martin, a neurosurgeon who investigates the outbreak and ultimately falls victim to it himself. The film opens with Dr. Martin attending a neuroscience conference in Europe, where he presents a controversial theory about the relationship between the brain and consciousness. His presentation is met with skepticism from his colleagues, including his ex-lover Dr. Jennifer Gates (played by Cynthia Nixon). However, Martin is contacted by a wealthy businessman named Eileen Welsome (played by Patricia Charbonneau), who offers him a large sum of money to conduct brain research at her private lab in the United States.

Martin arrives at the lab, which is located in an abandoned asylum, and is greeted by a team of researchers. He begins his work, which involves experimenting on human brains to try to understand the relationship between consciousness and the physical brain. However, things quickly go awry when one of his test subjects, a violent criminal named Goran (played by Peter Dean), escapes his restraints and attacks the other researchers.

From there, the virus spreads rapidly, infecting more and more people in the lab and causing them to become violent killers. Martin and Gates work together to try to contain the outbreak and find a cure, but their efforts are thwarted by Welsome, who has her own agenda for the virus.

As the situation spirals out of control, Martin must confront his own fears and vulnerabilities in order to survive. The film is a blend of horror and comedy, with plenty of gruesome violence and dark humor. It also explores some interesting philosophical questions about the nature of consciousness and the limits of scientific knowledge.

One of the standout performances in the film is by Bill Pullman, who imbues Dr. Martin with a sense of intelligence and vulnerability that makes him a sympathetic protagonist. The supporting cast is also strong, particularly Cynthia Nixon as Dr. Gates, who brings a fierce sense of determination to the role.

The film's visuals are also worth noting, particularly the scenes in which the virus mutates the test subjects into grotesque monsters. These scenes are well-executed, with impressive practical effects that make them all the more disturbing.

Overall, Brain Dead is a fun and entertaining horror-comedy that is worth checking out. It may not be for everyone, particularly those who are squeamish about gore, but fans of the genre will find a lot to enjoy here. The film's blend of horror, humor, and philosophical musings make it a unique and memorable entry in the genre.