Over eight episodes,Dopesickportrays the mass cover-up of the opioid crisis in the U.S. and the heartbreaking consequences of the actions of Purdue Pharma, which permitted the manufacture and distribution of OxyContin in 1996.Dopesick’s talented castis entangled in the pursuit of legal action against the company, while closely studying the effects of drug addiction. The series debuted with outstanding acclaim in 2021 and won multiple awards for its compelling narrative, as well asDopesick’s portrayal of the real-life figuresinvolved in the American epidemic. If an engrossing miniseries is what you’re looking for,Dopesick, though hard-hitting, is highly recommended.
The opioid crisis has been explored from an alternative perspective in an entirely separate series, exclusive to Netflix, althoughPainkillerhad a far more polarizing response toDopesick. Critics condemned the 2023 drama series starring Matthew Broderick for often sensationalizing the national tragedy. As might be expected,Dopesickis based on the 2018 book by Beth Macy,Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America.Thissolidifies Michael Keaton’s miniseries as one of the most elaborate and important media representationsof the crisis; andDopesickis available to stream on numerous streaming platforms, including Hulu and Disney+.
Dopesick Is The Perfect Short Miniseries To Binge If You Love Dramas
The 8-Episode Miniseries Masters The Art Of Dramatic Storytelling
Dopesickshows how badly the opioid crisis devastated the United States for over a decade. It centers on the widespreadprescription of the highly addictive class II narcotic, OxyContin, particularly in small, rural towns of the USA. The drug was aggressively marketed by its pharmaceutical company and promoted as effective pain relief, misleading thousands of doctors and patients across the nation.Dopesickfocuses on a fictional town in West Virginia, Finch Creek, which was created to represent a collection of towns disproportionately impacted by Purdue Pharma. The epidemic led to crime and death rates in unprecedented numbers in many of these areas.
Although not uncommon for a miniseries,Dopesicktells its story through multiple viewpoints. The varying perspectives provide insight into the progression of individual arcs, whichDopesickachieves using one of the best non-linear narratives I have ever seen. The information is remarkably clear, thanks to the inclusion of helpful date reminders throughout the episodes. Not to mention, the series powerfully captures the prolonged and devastating tragedy that is aided by a well-paced, eight-episode format. Needless to say, it’s no small feat to tackle a deeply sensitive subject that has impacted millions of Americans, butDopesick’s ambition is richly rewarded.
Dopesick Is Some Of Michael Keaton’s Best Work
Dr. Samuel Finnix Could Be The Pinnacle Of Keaton’s Career
Michael Keaton portrays Dr. Samuel Finnix, an individual inspired by the real Tennessee doctor, Dr. Stephen Lloyd.Finnix is at the center ofDopesick’s storyin the blue-collar Appalachian town that is soon targeted by Purdue sales rep, Billy Cutler (Will Poulter). Keaton’s protagonist begins prescribing OxyContin in the belief that it will help his patients before he becomes a victim of addiction himself. Dr. Finnix is universallyliked as a character inDopesick, and Keaton’s charge receives the biggest transformation across the entire series.
Michael Keaton quoted fromVariety: “The reaction [to Dopesick] is as strong as about as strong as anything I’ve ever been in. In terms of the appreciation for it as a really high-quality piece of work, but also how grateful they are that it’s out there.”
Not only does Keaton portray the doctor’s descent into addiction, but then the reconciliation with his guilt and the consequences of his own actions. Admittedly, it is mesmerizing to watch how Dr. Finnix’s story unfolds on screen andKeaton says that he is receiving some of the best reactions of his whole career fromDopesick. Speaking withVariety, Keaton revealed: “[there’s] appreciation for it as a really high-quality piece of work.” The role earned Keaton numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award, which the actor dedicated to the memory of his nephew.
Why Dopesick Got Such Good Reviews
Dopesick Is Critically Acclaimed
As it stands,Dopesickcurrently has a critical 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and holds an impressive audience score of 94%. The miniseries was highly praised for a wide scope of elements, the foremost beingthe captivating performances ofDopesick’s main ensemble. Alongside Keaton isAhsoka’s Rosario Dawson, who provided an equally impressive turn, as well asKaitlyn Dever, who I am convinced gave the best performance of her career as the town’s youngest coal miner, Betsy Mallum.The large list of acclaimed actors was integral in bringing the story to life and instilling a strong sense of credibility throughout.
Rosario Dawson
Bridget Meyer
Perhaps the most important aspect of the drama is how stronglyDopesickreaffirms that drug addiction does not discriminate. It does not concern itself with wealth, social status, sexuality, gender, or race — addiction can happen to anyone at any time. For this reason,Dopesickdemonstrates the reality of the crisis, which is enough alone to be greatly commended. The series shows the extent of systemic failures that allowed this to unfold, which is significant in exposing the role of the Sackler family. This crucially extends beyondDopesick’s harrowing representation of the epidemic to a wider acknowledgment of the crisis.
