What Lies Upstream

What Lies Upstream is a riveting cinematic journey in the year 2017 that embarks on an investigative adventure into the world of unregulated industries, poisoned water supplies, and the alarming indifference towards public health. Directed by Cullen Hoback, this American documentary flick features Erin Brockovich-Ellis, Marc Edwards, and Rahul Gupta as they delve into the murky waters of political conspiracy, corporate greed, and environmental crisis.

The film begins with an unforgettable incident in 2014 when the drinking water of 300,000 West Virginia residents was contaminated with a toxic chemical leaked from a Freedom Industries facility, staining the water supply with a curious licorice odor. Deploying his knack for unearthing unheard and untold stories, Cullen Hoback investigates this seemingly localized episode only to find a spider-web of corporate negligence, government irresponsibility, and environment regulatory shortcomings.

Erin Brockovich-Ellis, a renowned environmental activist and the subject of a well-known biographical film, lends her experienced voice to the narrative. Known for her legal acumen and unwavering commitment to environmental justice, Brockovich-Ellis acts as a guiding compass, steering the viewer along a journey filled with intrigue, betrayal, and a quest for answers.

Marc Edwards, a Virginia Tech professor and a revolutionary figure in water analysis and treatment, provides another critical aspect to the discussions in the film. Recipient of the MacArthur 'Genius Grant', Edwards shares his technical insights and scientific perspectives on the water crisis, breaking down complex information into digestible knowledge. His systematic approach to tackling the contamination issues casts a grim yet enlightening light on the scale and gravity of such dilemmas.

Completing this triumvirate of passionate advocates is Dr. Rahul Gupta, then West Virginia health commissioner, now a nationally recognized leader in health and public policy. Gupta’s expertise in public health strengthens the narrative with hard-hitting facts, reinforcing the urgency and impact of the documentary's fundamental themes.

The backdrop of What Lies Upstream is remarkable and tragic in equal measure. Recalling the disastrous incident's aftermath, the documentary sends you on a chilling journey into a world of failed policies, questionable science, and systemic corruption, all intertwined in a nexus contributing to environmental catastrophe.

The film presents the viewer with an in-depth analysis of the water contamination issue, unafraid to question responsible agencies, take on powerful corporations, and expose the weaknesses of current regulatory frameworks. It highlights the human consequences of such failures, and the grave risks individuals face when public health considerations are given a backseat to commercial gain.

What Lies Upstream is thorough in its execution, combining interviews, on-field investigations, one-on-one discussions, aerial visuals, and more in its arsenal of storytelling techniques. Cullen Hoback's uncompromising mission for truth forms the backbone of the film, keeping the narrative sincere, focused, and deeply affecting.

However, the movie isn't just a deep dive into the 2014 West Virginia incident. It goes beyond, unveiling the bigger, more disturbing story of a nation whose waters are under threat, the governmental and industrial apathy towards the issue, and the everyday citizens caught in this dire situation. The film raises substantial questions about the reliability of regulatory agencies assigned to protect public health and leaves the viewer pondering the price we pay for unchecked industrial growth.

In its run-time, What Lies Upstream creates a compelling argument for immediate action, and for the need to reevaluate regulations guarding our waters, to avoid potential public health disasters and hold accountable those who jeopardize the natural resources we rely on.

In essence, What Lies Upstream balances its intense fact-based groundwork with passionate activism, creating a film that will not only inform but also inspire viewers to act. This is an important documentary that delves into one of the most critical health and environmental issues of our time, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in environmental studies, public health, policy-making, or simply the world around them.