Netflix just launched Painkiller, a limited series that will focus on America’s real-life opioid problem. This drama, starring Matthew Broderick and Uzo Aduba, will follow a fictional version of the events that led to one of America’s biggest crises in recent years.
The streaming service released a preview of the upcoming film, providing insight into the intricate criminal environment that contributed to this massive problem. According to the synopsis:
“It explores the origins and consequences of America’s opioid crisis, highlighting the stories of the perpetrators, victims and seekers of truth whose lives were forever changed by the invention of OxyContin.” [It is] an investigation into the crimes, responsibilities and institutions that have failed hundreds of thousands of Americans on many occasions.”
Painkiller will have six episodes and debut on Netflix on August 10, 2023.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24-YonhNS0Y
Trailer for Painkiller: Pain, Pleasure, and Greed
The trailer for Painkiller features the emergence of OxyContin, the legal prescription narcotic often blamed for America’s opiate problem. It focuses on the profiteers, the dominance of drugs in the American market and those who want to stop it. The teaser also highlights the realistic approach of the show’s producers, as well as some stunning photography and sound.
Painkiller is based on the book of the same name by Barry Meier and the New Yorker article The Family That Built the Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe. Instead of presenting real events, they will tell the story in fictional form. Director Peter Berg discussed the project on Netflix’s Tudum, revealing some important insights. He stated:
“Everyone understands how serious the opioid problem is… But this is the story of the birth of the conflict between medicine and money that made it possible. One of the many things I believed was missing [from the OxyContin discussion] was the drug’s entry into mainstream medicine.”
Then he said:
“How Arthur Sackler, this New York psychiatrist who specialized in lobotomy, began to realize that the future was in pills—specifically, pill advertising.” Whoever could best advertise their drug would make the most money… We wanted to make it clear that there may be some comedic moments in this play, but we don’t believe the Sackler family, Purdue, or the opiate problem are remotely funny.”
Eric Newman, executive producer, highlighted the significance of this limited series, saying:
“We wanted to mirror the effects of opioids: the warmth, hope and relief of taking a pill that will relieve you of your suffering and then watching it become suffering.”
In addition to the two stars, Painkiller has an all-star ensemble that includes Taylor Kitsch, Dina Shihabi, West Duchovny and John Rothman. Clark Gregg, Jack Mulhern, Sam Anderson, Ana Cruz Kayne, Brian Markinson, Noah Harpster, John Ales, Johnny Sneed, Tyler Ritter and Carolina Bartczak also appear. On August 10, 2023, Netflix will release Painkiller.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education