Painkiller Review 2023: A Gripping and Heartbreaking Tale of Addiction and Betrayal
Painkiller is a Netflix original series that premiered on August 10, 2023. It is based on the true story of the opioid crisis that ravaged America in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and the role of Purdue Pharma, the company that manufactured and marketed OxyContin, a powerful painkiller that was widely prescribed and abused.
The series follows three main characters: Richard Sackler (Matthew Broderick), the founder and CEO of Purdue Pharma, who is driven by greed and ambition to make OxyContin a blockbuster drug; Edie (Uzo Aduba), an investigator for the US Attorney’s office, who is determined to expose the truth and hold Purdue accountable for its actions; and Glen (Taylor Kitsch), a Navy SEAL who becomes addicted to opioids after being injured in combat, and whose life spirals out of control as he struggles to cope with his pain and addiction.
Painkiller is a compelling and captivating series that explores the causes and consequences of the opioid epidemic from multiple perspectives. It shows how Purdue Pharma manipulated the medical community and the public into believing that OxyContin was a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain, while concealing its addictive and harmful effects. It also shows how the opioid crisis affected millions of people who became dependent on or addicted to opioids, and how it destroyed their lives and families.
The series is well-written, well-directed, and well-acted. Matthew Broderick delivers a chilling and convincing performance as Richard Sackler, a ruthless and arrogant businessman who cares more about profits than people. Uzo Aduba is impressive as Edie, a smart and courageous investigator who faces many obstacles and challenges in her quest for justice. Taylor Kitsch is heartbreaking as Glen, a brave and loyal soldier who falls victim to opioids and loses everything he holds dear.
The series also features a strong supporting cast, including Dina Shihabi as Britt Hufford, a journalist who uncovers Purdue’s shady practices; West Duchovny as Shannon Schaeffer, a DEA agent who works with Edie; Eve Myles as Alice Sinclair, a doctor who prescribes OxyContin to Glen; and Ben Miles as Captain Robin Allen, Glen’s commanding officer.
Painkiller is not an easy watch, as it depicts the harsh realities and tragedies of the opioid crisis. It does not shy away from showing the physical, psychological, and emotional effects of opioid addiction, as well as the legal, social, and moral implications of Purdue’s actions. It also does not offer any easy solutions or happy endings, as it reflects the ongoing nature of the problem.
However, Painkiller is an important and relevant watch, as it raises awareness and educates viewers about the opioid crisis. It also humanizes the victims and survivors of the crisis, and shows their struggles and hopes. It also exposes the perpetrators and enablers of the crisis, and shows their motives and consequences.
Painkiller is a powerful and effective series that tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time. It is a gripping and heartbreaking tale of addiction and betrayal that will leave you shocked and moved.
FAQ
Is Painkiller based on a true story?
Yes, Painkiller is based on a true story. It is inspired by Patrick Radden Keefe’s New Yorker article “The Family That Built an Empire of Pain” 1and Barry Meier’s novel Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America’s Opioid Epidemic 2. Both sources document the history and impact of Purdue Pharma and OxyContin on the opioid crisis.
How accurate is Painkiller?
Painkiller is mostly accurate in depicting the facts and events related to Purdue Pharma and OxyContin. However, some details and characters are fictionalized or dramatized for narrative purposes. For example, Edie is a composite character based on several real-life investigators who pursued Purdue Pharma. Glen is also a fictional character who represents one of the many veterans who suffered from opioid addiction.
How many episodes are there in Painkiller?
There are six episodes in Painkiller, each lasting about an hour. The episodes are titled:
- Episode 1: The Wonder Drug
- Episode 2: The Dark Side
- Episode 3: The Crackdown
- Episode 4: The Fallout
- Episode 5: The Trial
- Episode 6: The Verdict
Where can I watch Painkiller?
Painkiller is available to stream exclusively on Netflix 3. You can watch it with a Netflix subscription, which costs $8.99 per month for the basic plan, $13.99 per month for the standard plan, or $17.99 per month for the premium plan.
What are some similar shows to Painkiller?
If you enjoyed Painkiller, you might also like some of these similar shows:
- Dopesick: A Hulu original series that also explores the opioid crisis and the role of Purdue Pharma and OxyContin, starring Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, Kaitlyn Dever, and Rosario Dawson.
- The Pharmacist: A Netflix documentary series that follows the story of Dan Schneider, a pharmacist who lost his son to a drug-related shooting and became a crusader against the opioid epidemic.
- The Trade: A Showtime documentary series that examines the opioid crisis from the perspectives of growers, users, cartel bosses, and law enforcement.
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