The Devil We Know

The 2018 documentary, The Devil We Know, directed by Stephanie Soechtig and Jeremy Seifert, throws light on some alarming realities of our modern day environment and industrial practices. It features Sue Bailey, Bucky Bailey, Ken Wamsley, and others who are entwined in a fearsome tale of corporate greed, public health concerns, and individual resilience.

The Devil We Know is a gripping investigation into the egregious conduct of a large corporate entity within the chemical industry, documenting with excruciating detail its role in contaminating a West Virginia town's drinking water supply. The reckless and prolonged industrial dumping of chemicals in the local water system forms the crux of the narrative, leading to far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the town and have repercussions around the world.

Sue Bailey, one of the whistle-blowers featured in the film, gives an intensely personal account of how her life was significantly affected by this gross negligence. She draws public attention towards the unresolved health conflicts, explicitly showing its correlation to the relentless intake of contaminated water. Her compelling narrative becomes the 'human face' of this catastrophe.

The documentary follows Bucky Bailey, born with a range of facial deformities, who is central to the unfolding storyline. His mother worked in the factory responsible for the chemical spills during her pregnancy. Bailey's life and struggle form a significant part of this intricate narrative, shedding light on the direct impact that such negligent actions can have on a human life.

Through the participative narrative of Ken Wamsley, a former worker at the offending plant, we are given a first-hand account of the operational practices within the industry. Wamsley provides interpretations on hidden truths and concealed misdeeds within the organization, unveiling its blatant disregard for the health and safety of its workers and the surrounding community.

With an investigative angle, The Devil We Know adopts a measured, methodical approach in constructing the narrative. It deals with not just the human aspect of the catastrophe, but also dives into the crucial scientific aspects. The film delves into the world of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), also known as C8, providing the viewers a comprehensive understanding of how these chemical substances enter the human body, remain in the system, and cause a series of health complications, even cancer.

The issues of regulation, corporate accountability, and the marginalization of the victimized community, all lie at the heart of the documentary's inquiry. It questions how the affected citizens can seek justice for the harm done, and how such harmful actions can be prevented in the future.

Importantly, the film shines a spotlight on the wider, lingering question regarding the responsibilities of corporations toward environmental care, employee health, and public safety. It tackles the underlying global issue: chemicals that are produced and used worldwide, often without proper safeguards or understanding of their long-term impacts.

Furthermore, The Devil We Know serves as a rallying call for citizens’ right to know what goes into their everyday products - let it be food containers, non-stick pans, water-repelling clothes, or even dental floss. It directly connects the careless industrial practices with the health problems prevalent among the general population, prompting viewers to question the safety of the products they use daily.

Filmed with a keen sense of urgency, this exposé employs numerous testimonials, court documentation, secretive industrial videos, and impartial expert interviews. The film represents a real-life corporate thriller that juxtaposes vivid, heartfelt stories from affected individuals with infuriating facts about the negligence of colossal corporations.

In conclusion, The Devil We Know is an eye-opening, startling documentary. Besides presenting a compelling narrative about one community’s fight against an invisible environmental crisis, it also makes a broader statement about the world we live in today. It paints a chilling picture of a world suffocated by unstoppable compounds and a corporate mindset that prioritizes profit over people. This documentary ensures the story lingers in the mind of the viewer, urging them to question, to act, and to prevent similar potential disasters in their own communities.