The opioid crisis is having a huge impact on the world, and more specifically, the USA. In 2001, over 100,000 people lost their lives due to fentanyl and that crisis is only getting worse.
Of course, that makes headlines and headlines makes films, so it’s no surprise to see the likes of Netflix taking the time to discuss drug rehab, the nightmares people are going through and, interestingly, the people and companies behind that.
Those issues have certainly come to the fore in recent times and there are a couple of films and series that are well worth watching to give you a good idea of the situation…
Pain Hustlers
A fictionalised version of the opioid crisis, Pain Hustlers was released around a month ago and is a story about the pharmaceutical companies and the sales people employed within them that caused such a problem.
Starring Emily Blunt and Chris Evans, the movie charts the rise of such companies as well as the downfall as the authorities close in on what is clearly abhorrent behaviour. It’s an interesting insight into the world of pharmaceuticals though and what damage it can cause.
Dopesick
Dopesick is a much more acclaimed and realistic representation of the crisis and has enjoyed multiple awards over the last few years.
The eight episodes had a brilliant cast with Michael Keaton at the helm, and it does tell the story of real-life events in the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma. It can be upsetting at times but is a solid reflection based upon the Beth Macy book.
Concluding in 2021, unfortunately things are only getting worse and further representation may well be needed.
Painkillers
Another Netflix show that looks into the origins of the opioid crisis, Painkillers stars Matthew Broderick and enjoys much more favourable reviews than Pain Hustlers.
Not that it’s enjoyable. It’s a painstaking view into how it all started and although it’s fictional, it is based upon historic events.
What it does, unlike Pain Hustlers, is highlight the real life issues the crisis is causing, and it’s well worth a watch, even if it is an uncomfortable one.
Of course, over the next few years we’re going to see many more examples of Hollywood trying to take on such an important issue as the crisis worsens. But bringing attention to such matters is only going to help solve the problem over the coming years too.
