Documentary
China,United States of America
In the Same Breath is a documentary film directed by Nanfu Wang that explores the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, and how it spread globally. The film combines interviews with medical professionals, first-hand accounts from people affected by the virus, and footage from the early days of the pandemic.
The documentary starts by showcasing how the Chinese government reacted to the outbreak, suppressing information and silencing whistleblowers who reported the virus as early as December 2019. Wang then shifts focus to the US and how President Donald Trump initially downplayed the importance of the virus, leading to inadequate preparation for its arrival.
The film also highlights the struggles of healthcare workers during the pandemic which includes lack of proper medical gear, misinformation, and a lack of support from the government.
In addition, the movie speaks to the way in which the pandemic has exposed the inequalities and failures of the healthcare system in both countries. Hence, the documentary makes a case for taking action to ensure that such crises are managed more efficiently and equitably in the future.
Overall, In the Same Breath presents a damning critique of the way in which the pandemic has been handled in China and the United States, and raises important questions about the global approach to public health crises.
