• Network: SyFy
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 10, 2014
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 184 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 38 out of 184
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User Reviews

  1. Jan 12, 2014
    10
    Show has a real sense of mystery and suspense that really hooks you early in the first 3 episodes. Makes you want to stick around and see what happens. Really looking forward to see what the writers come up with next.
  2. Jan 28, 2014
    10
    Excellent series full of suspense and a lot of mystery to keep you coming back for more. The pure isolation element with all of the various characters conflicting motives (although the full picture behind a lot of these motives has yet to be completely revealed) make for a dark entangled web. I find a couple of the negative reviews quite humorous where they site standard CDC proceduresExcellent series full of suspense and a lot of mystery to keep you coming back for more. The pure isolation element with all of the various characters conflicting motives (although the full picture behind a lot of these motives has yet to be completely revealed) make for a dark entangled web. I find a couple of the negative reviews quite humorous where they site standard CDC procedures when the unique location, the base's nature and the disease itself make for anything but a standard situation. Awesome show. Expand
  3. Mar 21, 2014
    10
    Helix is a show unlike any show you've seen before. It is however, not unlike any movie you've seen before. Helix plays out very much like a movie, or it's TV equivilent, a mini-series. It's premise has never been done before in a week to week format. Movies such as "The Thing" or "Contagion" are the closest examples I could think of to describe Helix. Helix is an original, powerful dramaHelix is a show unlike any show you've seen before. It is however, not unlike any movie you've seen before. Helix plays out very much like a movie, or it's TV equivilent, a mini-series. It's premise has never been done before in a week to week format. Movies such as "The Thing" or "Contagion" are the closest examples I could think of to describe Helix. Helix is an original, powerful drama by the people that brought you the epic space odyssey, Battlestar Gallatica. As a viewer, you are given solid elements, constants that remain the same. There is a base in the arctic, there is a deadly virus. These things don't change. And then you are given the variables, the things that fluctuate, the characters. In this show, there are many sides, many agendas, and many goals. You dont know who you can trust. Everyone has secrets, everything is a mystery and questions are always being raised. But what makes helix so great, is that questions ... are also being answered. Together, along with Dr. Alan Farragut and his CDC team, you delve into the mystery of the base, the virus, and the people who run it. And it's all brilliant.

    I cannot recommend a more intelligent, and well produced series, than Syfy's Helix.
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  4. Mar 1, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well im all caught up to Episode 9 , and i must say it started slow, , the following episodes 4,5 and 6 began getting Decent. they begin to flesh out the characters as well as building suspense and mystery as to WTH is up with The EYES ?? ;> .........Episodes 7-9 Really Kick the action up and begin to unfold kind of whats all going on between the several subplots....I.E , Mika times 2 , Balisares, Julia and hitake, the Brothers Boss Vector , and ends with The Missing VIAL being walked out of the DOME.......ALL in all i love the show, definetly glad i stayed for the first 3 or 4 episodes as it is now one of my favorites shows and DEFINITELY MY FAV. ScyFy Show and ONLY show i watch on ScyFy cause 90% of the rest of their programming is GHOST CHASERS but i digress ....... 10 Thumbs up.....GIVE it 4 episodes if you are on the Fence you wont be Dissapointed !!!! Expand
  5. Jan 12, 2014
    9
    I'm amazed at how much I like this show. It is very suspenseful and chilling. I was skeptical at first since I'm not a huge fan of syfy series but this one I'm glad to make an exception. the story is about members of the CDC go to a base in the arctic to contain a possible outbreak, as you can expect things go BAD and things just get worse from there. I don't want to spoil any of theI'm amazed at how much I like this show. It is very suspenseful and chilling. I was skeptical at first since I'm not a huge fan of syfy series but this one I'm glad to make an exception. the story is about members of the CDC go to a base in the arctic to contain a possible outbreak, as you can expect things go BAD and things just get worse from there. I don't want to spoil any of the story because it needs to be experienced by the viewer. The acting is also well done as are the special effects and CG. The way things are going I think this series will be one, if not the best syfy series on this season. Helix is a gripping, suspenseful and at times chilling tv series that shows what could happen when scientist try to play god. 9/10 Expand
  6. Feb 14, 2014
    9
    A 9 is too high for this show but I think a 6.0 is so incorrect that I am giving it a 9. Firstly, this show is entertaining. It's fun and interesting to watch. The science is actually pretty accurate sometimes and the ideas are interesting as well. They even got the pupil dilation with the morphine injection correct (Unlike Requiem for a Dream. The characters are pretty good but couldA 9 is too high for this show but I think a 6.0 is so incorrect that I am giving it a 9. Firstly, this show is entertaining. It's fun and interesting to watch. The science is actually pretty accurate sometimes and the ideas are interesting as well. They even got the pupil dilation with the morphine injection correct (Unlike Requiem for a Dream. The characters are pretty good but could certainly use some more depth and background. Normal isn't interesting, the show seems to grasp this with the overall plot but not with he characters. Each character has quirks like any human being, but this is television, so making things more dramatic and interesting is good and fun to watch, and thus it would have been nice for some of the main characters to be a greater extent of abnormal. The show is predictable at times, and unpredictable on rare occasions thus far, but that's fine with me. It's great entertainment overall. Expand
  7. Mar 23, 2014
    9
    First impressions of the show are good, I enjoy seeing similar stories pushed to the limit to keep us hanging on the edge of our seats. For me the acting is important but can get by some inexperienced actors with a good story.

    Helix is trying to force us to expect the unexpected, and I'm eating it up, the earlier episodes are a little slow as we engage the characters then incomes the
    First impressions of the show are good, I enjoy seeing similar stories pushed to the limit to keep us hanging on the edge of our seats. For me the acting is important but can get by some inexperienced actors with a good story.

    Helix is trying to force us to expect the unexpected, and I'm eating it up, the earlier episodes are a little slow as we engage the characters then incomes the corporation who has plans (which are still not clear except that they want the virus.... Is it going to be the normal pharmaceutical trap of infect and sell the cure for profits???? Having said that does that explain the immortality of some characters, could this turn to be a creation of a new race and only the strongest can survive?

    However whatever the final episode brings... lets hope for the network order a 2nd season.
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  8. Dec 16, 2014
    9
    It oscillates all the first shows were really good. Not that there have been bad shows .

    It is a good history considering all takes place in a claustrophobic environment
  9. Mar 11, 2015
    9
    At first it doesn't appear too original but it is a slow burner and despite the at times poor dialogue the characters get stronger over time. It takes some well known concepts and carries them out effectively with the addition of a few unexpected twists and turns
  10. Jan 8, 2021
    9
    Even though I am no detective, horror, or thriller fan, this season was a great mix of all in a Sci-Fi setting. Especially the ideas that they put into the universe are very likable to me. In addition, there is convincing acting and mystery that makes you crave for more. But don't watch the second season. You will regret it.
  11. Jan 27, 2014
    8
    Not the smartest newcomer of this season; however, I'm compelled to say that this show grows on you (not like a wart).

    First, I want to address the first two episodes, which aired as one, in its premiere on Syfy. The first half works a lot like Andromeda Strain, setting up the storyline and the claustrophobic atmosphere. By the end of the third episode, the show hits its stride with
    Not the smartest newcomer of this season; however, I'm compelled to say that this show grows on you (not like a wart).

    First, I want to address the first two episodes, which aired as one, in its premiere on Syfy. The first half works a lot like Andromeda Strain, setting up the storyline and the claustrophobic atmosphere. By the end of the third episode, the show hits its stride with some nice intensity. Should the effects be better? Sure. But I start to care for the characters and buy into the mystique to look the other way. Is it derivative? Yes, but I think that's the play...like homage after homage...playing into our own pop culture bricolage and giving us a pastiche based on our worst fears--especially for hypochondriacs.

    The show does need better writing in terms of dialogue and perhaps bringing in more "tip of the hat" to philosophy like what LOST was able to accomplish--the type of fodder that creates a canon for science fiction fans to devour, scrutinize, and blog about to get through the week until the next episode.

    RDM and company needs to trust their audience more and give us a density of ideas that makes our Friday night (or DVR) watching a more rich experience in fear and nightmarish gore.
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  12. Mar 2, 2014
    8
    The dialogue can be a little cheesy, and the story line a little far fetched, but the show has proved to be exciting and unpredictable. I really find myself looking forward to this show on Friday nights.. I wasn't sure after the first episode or two, but I am definitely hooked.
  13. Apr 5, 2014
    8
    Helix is a sci fi series set at an arctic research base where a virus gets loose and infects half the staff.A group from the CDC arrive to investigate and then the fun begins.Right off the bat,I love it.This is one of the SYFY channels better series I can ever recall.Fully fleshed characters run the gamut of emotions and are 3 dimensional.Well so far all except the main male character heroHelix is a sci fi series set at an arctic research base where a virus gets loose and infects half the staff.A group from the CDC arrive to investigate and then the fun begins.Right off the bat,I love it.This is one of the SYFY channels better series I can ever recall.Fully fleshed characters run the gamut of emotions and are 3 dimensional.Well so far all except the main male character hero who has yet to impress me as 3 dimensional..ot it could be the script is not giving him a chance..Everyone else -excellent.I'm fussy so I do not let actors off the hook easilly for cardboard portrayals.I am grateful SYFY is learning a thing or two about good television.If you like The Walking Dead and Regenesis ,well put em together and you have Helix.Another element that stands out is the soundtrack-it is engaging and effective.I can't predict if Helix will stay interesting but I love it so far. Expand
  14. Mar 9, 2015
    8
    Apparently no one in this series understands quarantine protocol. But other than the silliness in the scientific ignorance of the show, it's pretty entertaining.
  15. Sep 25, 2016
    8
    First half of S1 was amazing - straight up 9/10, with possibilities of going to a 10/10 if it had kept up the pace. But keep up the pace it didn't, it just quickly degraded around mid-season and started doing really cheap, cheesy and stupid things (like introducing absolutely childish and cartoony characters like "The Scythe", or like the decidedly too many close-up horror scenes withFirst half of S1 was amazing - straight up 9/10, with possibilities of going to a 10/10 if it had kept up the pace. But keep up the pace it didn't, it just quickly degraded around mid-season and started doing really cheap, cheesy and stupid things (like introducing absolutely childish and cartoony characters like "The Scythe", or like the decidedly too many close-up horror scenes with happy music). So sadly I had to take it from a 9 and demote it to an 8. Expand
  16. Apr 1, 2014
    7
    There's some pretty bad (over)acting and the plot is often silly, but the suspense works and somehow we got to like it enough to keep on watching, even the silly bits.
  17. Jan 10, 2014
    7
    Expectations are let down, met, and exceeded in SyFy's new sci-fi thriller Helix. It definitely oscillates. There are many disappointing moments that involve any and all combinations of stiff acting, hackneyed dialogue, and contrived plot points (then again, it IS television). However, it's the savory moments of unbridled suspense and scientific curiosity that make this show enjoyable, andExpectations are let down, met, and exceeded in SyFy's new sci-fi thriller Helix. It definitely oscillates. There are many disappointing moments that involve any and all combinations of stiff acting, hackneyed dialogue, and contrived plot points (then again, it IS television). However, it's the savory moments of unbridled suspense and scientific curiosity that make this show enjoyable, and possibly even worth watching. Diseased super-humans crawl through air ducts while the CDC slowly unravels the twisted research that is going on in the Arctic. Technicians are violently infected to the beat of ditzy elevator soundtracks. There are also smaller story lines, such as Dr. Farragut and Dr. Walker's distant romantic pasts, and whatever the hell conspiracies Major Balleseros is running. But trust me, you won't give a second thought to those.
    The show's all science fiction fun, playing off the notions and fears that modern science and genetics present in the pursuit of a more perfect human being (haven't we seen that premise before). And yes, you'll roll your eyes at least five times an episode. But I would give at least the first two episodes a shot. This spiffy and safely produced approach towards biogenetics gone wrong may appeal to you.

    FINAL SCORE: 70 (pretty good)
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  18. Jan 30, 2014
    7
    4 episodes in, this Syfy drama has shown its willingness to create mystery. It's utilized the horror associated with the virus to explore character histories and the mythology of Helix's world in general. The biggest pitfalls result from the archetypal characters. But a few of these characters are already being fleshed out. That said, it's been fun trying to unpack the source of the virus4 episodes in, this Syfy drama has shown its willingness to create mystery. It's utilized the horror associated with the virus to explore character histories and the mythology of Helix's world in general. The biggest pitfalls result from the archetypal characters. But a few of these characters are already being fleshed out. That said, it's been fun trying to unpack the source of the virus and the duplicitous intentions of several of the characters. Expand
  19. Feb 12, 2014
    6
    Helix requires a bit of patience. It's a good plot - there are some interesting characters. It would be better if the lead character 'Daniel" had a better backstory. He's a bit boring. The 'vectors' are not as well developed as they could be. In 'Lost" almost every character had a chance to evolve alongside the main characters. I don't see this happening here. However ... it's a goodHelix requires a bit of patience. It's a good plot - there are some interesting characters. It would be better if the lead character 'Daniel" had a better backstory. He's a bit boring. The 'vectors' are not as well developed as they could be. In 'Lost" almost every character had a chance to evolve alongside the main characters. I don't see this happening here. However ... it's a good premise for a series and it's though provoking. What happens when we dare to play God? I would stick with it, improve the writing and see where it goes. Expand
  20. Mar 18, 2014
    5
    I waited with big hope this Helix. Indeed we are talking about the creator of Battlestar Galactica, but unluckily, for yet, we are in front of a sloppy show.
    Characters are flat and the actors who play them are even worse.
    The setting is very bad. The claustrophobic feel is made of boredom more than entertainment. The visual effects and photography are the worst i ever seen in a sci-fi
    I waited with big hope this Helix. Indeed we are talking about the creator of Battlestar Galactica, but unluckily, for yet, we are in front of a sloppy show.
    Characters are flat and the actors who play them are even worse.
    The setting is very bad. The claustrophobic feel is made of boredom more than entertainment.
    The visual effects and photography are the worst i ever seen in a sci-fi show. I understand that the budget is low, but the lack of details just show how there was no time or will to make a better output.

    As for the main plot, it's interesting and every sci-fi lover will try to stand the poor general quality of this show to understand what is really going on.
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  21. Feb 17, 2014
    5
    Not great but good enough to keep me watching with some judicious fast forwarding. Deadly viruses are always interesting, the arctic base setting is cool, and the plot is interesting albeit sometimes mysterious in a confused rather than compelling way. The dialogue is weak, actions and reactions sometimes unrealistic, sometimes predictable, and the whole hallucination thing is a drag.Not great but good enough to keep me watching with some judicious fast forwarding. Deadly viruses are always interesting, the arctic base setting is cool, and the plot is interesting albeit sometimes mysterious in a confused rather than compelling way. The dialogue is weak, actions and reactions sometimes unrealistic, sometimes predictable, and the whole hallucination thing is a drag. And what's up with the muzak during the breaks, is there a Stepford Wife plot in here that I'm missing? Expand
  22. Feb 8, 2014
    5
    6 episodes into Helix and regrettably have moved from enjoyment to meh. Loved the initial Andromeda Strain/Outbreak science premise and the tension of all the action taking place on successive days, a great hook, full of promise. The anxiety was further amplified by the Aliens-ness of the setting, a fortress built in the shape of a space outpost, hunkered down in a storm-swept arctic6 episodes into Helix and regrettably have moved from enjoyment to meh. Loved the initial Andromeda Strain/Outbreak science premise and the tension of all the action taking place on successive days, a great hook, full of promise. The anxiety was further amplified by the Aliens-ness of the setting, a fortress built in the shape of a space outpost, hunkered down in a storm-swept arctic wilderness. And then there's the alarming calmness of resident meglomaniac, Dr. Hatake, and his menacing giant guardian, Daniel contrasted with the flailing, bile spewing infected and the arrogant CDC team. But, somehow the show has managed to waste all this great setup. Too many indistinguishable characters passing through the plot, not enough real world science thinking and methodology, and too much torpid love triangle backstory. The core problems of the show can be illustrated through the fate of one of the few characters who didn't seem cloned: arrived at the base, went right to work, made a discovery, stupidly convinced to keep the information a secret from their boss, died gruesomely, apparently purely for shock value, since the hidden information was discovered shortly on an unencrypted communication device stupidly left in a villain's hidey hole. Finally, the sad boss has a moment by the body in a bag stored on the ice outside. Yuck. Half way through the season, and my inclination is to borrow an idea from Hicks "All right. We take off. Nuke the site from orbit." Expand
  23. Feb 10, 2014
    5
    The tone of the Music of this show is WAY off. It's suppose to be suspenseful, but sounds like a cartoon skit on suspenseful scenes. As soon as you get engaged into the suspenseful plot, a not so thrilling song comes on...throws everything off.
  24. Mar 3, 2014
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Like a child prodigy gone astray, I wish, oh how I wish Helix would live up to its initial promise. Instead, it wanders the darkened hallways, jumps out with a "Boo!" every once in a while, but mostly just sits in the corner sucking its thumb, wondering why nobody loves it. I've never watched a series with so many premises running off in all directions - mutant viruses, legions of zombies, CDC SWAT team, lettuce growing in the director's office, hidden stairways, duplicity - it's all there, it's just sprouting malignantly in all directions, like that weird mega-virus - wait, what ever happened to that? And the monkeys out in the snow? And the heads in the jars? Jeez, where IS this all going, and how's it all going to tie up? I feel like there are 6 different shows competing all at once for our attention here.

    Every episode flashes a teasing glimpse of the show it could be, like the first time Dr. Hataki revealed his special eyes, then yanks it back, as we saw when Balleseros, bleeding out in the snow, is dragged off by an Inuit cop, who happens to wander by, in the middle of the night, from a previously unmentioned village just a snowmobile ride away. What?! I thought they were all stranded in this hermetically sealed research vault, hundreds of miles from the nearest habitation, so the icky viruses wouldn't leak out and contaminate humanity.

    I'll stick it out to the end of the season, 'cause I'm just so invested in finding out what the #$@!@& is going on with Julia and Hataki. The rest of 'em, smirking Balleseros, pudgy Meeksa, even Zombie-God Peter, well, meh. Meh.
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  25. Mar 2, 2015
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. (Spoilers) I'm in the middle of the final episode of the first season. I get how I need to suspend disbelief and step into the world of the show. But the cliffhangers and double-crosses within that world are now officially stupid. What I thought was a good thriller, then pot-boiler has now turned into an afternoon soap-opera disguised as science fiction.

    In the final moments of the episode, the show turns into a semi-spy thriller, with a CDC official leaving marks on buildings and other spycraft. Plus there's another -gasp- apparent double-cross. I finished the episode, but I'm 30% sure I'll make it through all of Season 2.

    Overall, Season 1 has it's moments, especially within the first half. Those episodes were resolving themselves into itself. The second half felt like the show got money for a second half, but the show runners weren't quite ready with good scripts.
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  26. Jan 11, 2014
    4
    This is what I'd call a poor man's Fringe, a compelling and entertaining concept, but without the production values and talented cast. Have watched through episode 3 (Infinity On Demand), and may give the series a chance through ep 5 or so, but if it doesn't improve, that'll be it for me.
  27. Mar 15, 2014
    4
    Helix is a disappointing offering from Ronald Moore (ST:TNG, BSG reboot). It's a show about, well, nothing...and not in a good Seinfeld kind of way. It's a show that's trying to take a page out of the Lost archives by dangling a carrot in front of viewers in hopes they return each episode. But nothing is ever answered, nothing makes sense (including air ducts you can drive a car in, andHelix is a disappointing offering from Ronald Moore (ST:TNG, BSG reboot). It's a show about, well, nothing...and not in a good Seinfeld kind of way. It's a show that's trying to take a page out of the Lost archives by dangling a carrot in front of viewers in hopes they return each episode. But nothing is ever answered, nothing makes sense (including air ducts you can drive a car in, and a base in the Antarctic powered by solar). And viewers will probably not follow this storytelling tactic again. Helix is not the worst show ever, but it's certainly not worthy of investing a lot of time in, especially if the story just treads water and goes nowhere.

    Some details: The scientists are perhaps the dumbest and most illogical scientists since the movie Prometheus. Some are more concerned about having sex than solving an outbreak that threatens humanity. But the cornerstone every disappointing show are characters you don't care about. Every character in Helix is dour, depressing, angsty, and completely unlikable. I hate every character on this show. I don't care if any of them live or die. Everything about the show feels rehashed, especially the black goo vectors (let's face it, they're just zombies who spread infection instead of eating brains). I will likely not be back for a season 2...if there is one.
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  28. Mar 16, 2014
    4
    This show is overrated to say the least. The pilot was interesting, but ever since it's been boring and repetitive. This joins Syfys long line of disappointing shos.s
  29. Jan 24, 2014
    4
    Helix's first two episodes may cause some major eye rolling, but one thing's for sure: this show can get intense as hell. Almost nothing is original but it doesn't dull the atmosphere too much. This is a budget TV show but the make-up is outstanding; although, the CG scenes annoyed me.

    Good Sci-Fi shows aren't overly common so it's good to see this show showing us at least a little
    Helix's first two episodes may cause some major eye rolling, but one thing's for sure: this show can get intense as hell. Almost nothing is original but it doesn't dull the atmosphere too much. This is a budget TV show but the make-up is outstanding; although, the CG scenes annoyed me.

    Good Sci-Fi shows aren't overly common so it's good to see this show showing us at least a little promise. So-so casting, directing, and a silly love triangle are all prevalent flaws, so here's to hoping the show comes into its own and delivers.

    UPDATE:

    With the intensity steeply dropping off with each entry, I'm finding it harder and harder to justify tuning in each week. The dialogue here is beyond hackey and I can't stand another minute watching these characters. Not to mention, the bad CG has gotten to a point of annoyance. I'm dropping this show but I MAY possibly catch up later if later episodes get high acclaim. But I'm not seeing that as a strong possibility.
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  30. Mar 29, 2014
    4
    The show isn't terrible, but I'm afraid that might be the best thing about it. It started off solidly, but the plot was jumbled at times. Between the acting and the writing I could get into all of maybe two characters. The show was also more than a little campy, and I'm not still sure if that was intentional or not. There were enough decent moments for the show to be watchable, butThe show isn't terrible, but I'm afraid that might be the best thing about it. It started off solidly, but the plot was jumbled at times. Between the acting and the writing I could get into all of maybe two characters. The show was also more than a little campy, and I'm not still sure if that was intentional or not. There were enough decent moments for the show to be watchable, but nearly as many groan inducing moments. It did have quite a bit of potential from the get-go, but failed to deliver, especially during the last few episodes. It's confusing scifi, but not in the good way (not to mention, some of the actual science is a bit screwy).

    Overall it was meh. Interesting concept but subpar acting and writing. Still finds ways to be interesting, but only up to a certain point. Overly confusing, but oddly somewhat watchable. But still not watchable enough to invest any more of my time into the show.
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Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Mar 27, 2014
    83
    The story is an edge-of-your-seat kind of thriller. Clues are dropped, but you never know what’s coming next.
  2. Reviewed by: Neil Genzlinger
    Jan 13, 2014
    70
    Billy Campbell anchors the cast admirably as Dr. Alan Farragut.... Mr. Sanada is always intriguing to watch. And some of the show’s support players bring welcome spunk to the claustrophobic world of the research center, especially Catherine Lemieux as Dr. Doreen Boyle, a smart pathologist with a smart mouth.
  3. Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    Jan 10, 2014
    70
    Helix doesn't reinvent the virus thriller, but it's a solid slice of genre entertainment that offers some creepy visuals and believable scares.