In Painkiller, Edie Flowers, an investigator, recounts the opioid crisis in the US and her fight against Richard Sackler, the man behind the notorious drug OxyContin. The series is now streaming on Netflix.
Story
A new team of lawyers has consolidated hundreds of lawsuits against Purdue Pharma, the company known for the drug OxyContin, into one single case.
Edie Flowers, who worked as an investigator with the U.S. attorney’s office in Roanoke, has fought Purdue Pharma before. Though the new team is seeking justice, Edie has no hope for them, considering what happened when she was fighting Purdue Pharma.
However, the moment Edie learns that this new team has deposed Richard Sackler, the president of Purdue Pharma, she realizes there is some hope after all.
Edie refrains from even sitting in the chair Sackler sat in and gets it thrown out. She then starts explaining how Sackler created the most powerful painkiller without caring about how many lives it would take.
Performances
Uzo Aduba as Edie Flowers delivers a strong performance that has its presence all over the show. During the first few minutes, she sounds annoying and full of disbelief, as she should, considering the journey Edie has been through.
Once her story is laid out, Uzo Aduba makes you understand Edie’s struggles, and her reactions while talking about the case are convincing.
Matthew Broderick has strength in his words as Richard Sackler. He doesn’t try to look and sound evil; he just acts like a great but selfish businessman, and that automatically makes him villainous.
Broderick shares amazing chemistry with Clark Gregg, who plays Arthur Sackler. Watching them plot together and work their way out keeps viewers worried all the time. They are made to believe that the villain is going to win no matter what.
West Duchovny is able to relay how Shannon Schaeffer is manipulated and brainwashed by the employees of Purdue Pharma. Duchovny shows a big change in the personality of Shannon during the show’s six-episode run.
Positives
Painkiller explores the origins of the opioid epidemic and its rise in a very detailed manner. However, these details aren’t comprehensive; everything is stated in simpler terms and within the shortest sentences that won’t confuse a viewer.
The story of the epidemic isn’t told in chronological order, and there are other acts that don’t go with the main story, but every act the show has is engaging. Not a minute feels like a filler. It’s not rushed, either. The show just made great use of its runtime with some compelling writing.
Some behaviors portrayed in the show are able to scare an individual and convince them why this epidemic was a nightmare come true. For example, Edie not even wanting to be around the chair Richard Sackler sat in hints at the kind of monster Sackler must have been.
Negatives
In the series, there is another investigation that actually manages to bring the main plot to a proper conclusion. However, that part is not explored in much detail and is simply stated.
Verdict
Painkiller is a highly engaging watch that is able to recreate the fear around the opioid epidemic. The acting performances and writing are top-notch, and every second of all six episodes keeps the viewers hooked.
Painkiller
Director: Peter Berg
Date Created: 2023-08-10 12:31
4
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