The Devil We Know

The Devil We Know is a 2018 documentary film that positions itself as a riveting and compelling tale that masterfully unravels the sinister nature of corporate greed and manipulation, and the ensuing effort by a small town and its inhabitants to fight back in order to expose the truth. Directed by Stephanie Soechtig and Jeremy Seifert, the film is a sobering exploration of environmental harm, corporate malfeasance, and the human cost behind one of America’s most widely used products, presenting an eye-opening look into the lethal effects of industrial pollutants on the environment and public health, in this case, a chemical used in Teflon cookware.

The documentary revolves around key figures like Sue Bailey, Bucky Bailey, and Ken Wamsley as they unveil their personal experiences and struggles. Sue Bailey, the former DuPont employee, shares how her pregnancy and the subsequent birth defects of her child, Bucky Bailey, spurred her mission to uncover the harmful chemicals used in the production processes at DuPont’s factory in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Bucky, as an adult, has undergone several surgeries and believes his health-related issues are decidedly linked to his mother's exposure to C8, a toxic chemical used in Teflon. He becomes a torchbearer of the struggle, using his personal story to drive awareness and change about this neglected environmental and health issue.

Equally compelling is the story of Ken Wamsley, a retired lab analyst from the same factory. Ken spent decades working with C8 without realizing its hazardous impact on his health. Later, the bitter discovery about the company's reckless handling of toxic industrial waste and its direct effects on him unleashed a battle for accountability and justice.

The Devil We Know delves deep into the devastating impact of human exposure to PFOA, also known as C8, a synthetic chemical used in the manufacturing process of Teflon. For decades, this chemical was dumped into the Ohio River, leading to the contamination of the local water supply and presenting devastating health effects for the community.

As the individuals in the film grapple with their personal afflictions, viewers are offered an insight into the bigger picture: the reckless nature of corporate giants and the regulatory apathy that allows for such indiscretions to ruin lives without any substantial consequences. It provides an informative analysis of the cycle of industrial pollution and its far-reaching implications on the health and wellbeing of ordinary citizens.

In a broader context, The Devil We Know offers a stark critique of the larger systems at play, highlighting the devastatingly inadequate safeguards in terms of environmental and public health concerns. The film shines a spotlight on the slow-moving, often compromised process of industrial regulation and the frequent lack of proper oversight provided by government bodies.

Throughout the film, whistle-blowers, victims, and advocates participate in frank discussions about the circumstances that led to this biochemical disaster, and the uphill battle against the pristine public image of corporations, and the struggle to bring such problems to light to hold these entities accountable. Director Soechtig exposes the harsh reality of corporate dominance over regulation, safety standards, and public health, thereby echoing a resonating sense of urgency for systemic change.

The documentary serves as a damning essay on the global industrial complex and its potential for rampant environmental harm and damage to human health. The narratives of Bailey, Wamsley, and others urge viewers to consider the intricate interplay between profitability and safety, between corporate might and government oversight, and between the pursuit of progress and the fundamental right to health and wellbeing.

The Devil We Know is not only a probing documentary about one town’s fight against a hazardous pollutant but also a rallying cry for increased transparency, stronger regulations, and, indeed, corporate accountability in a world increasingly fraught with environmental and health concerns. It is a must-watch not only for sustainability enthusiasts but also for individuals seeking to understand the profound human cost behind everyday consumer products.