Heroin(e)

Heroin(e) is an arresting, emotionally charged Netflix Original documentary short film that premiered in 2017, focusing on the growing opioid crisis in America. This insightful documentary is set in Huntington, West Virginia, a city that has become the epicenter of the heroin epidemic with an overdose rate 10 times the national average. Directed by Peabody award-winning filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon, Heroin(e) offers a sobering, close-up look at this national health emergency. The documentary examines the far-reaching effects of addiction not just on the addicts themselves, but on the entire societal fabric, including families, communities, and the public health system.

This powerful documentary has a runtime of approximately 40 minutes, yet it deftly manages to cram a lot into this short space of time, educating viewers in a thought-provoking and illuminating way. The film doesn't follow the traditional documentary formula of relying on talking-head interviews and statistics but instead follows the real-life, day-to-day experiences of three women living and working on the front lines of the opioid crisis.

These three women provide a compassionate and inspirational counterpoint to the grim statistics of the epidemic. Jan Rader, the first female Fire Chief of Huntington, Fire Department is a dedicated first responder tirelessly battling the overwhelming number of overdoses in her city. Necia Freeman, a real estate agent by day, and a volunteer with “Brown Bags of Hope” by night, combats the crisis by feeding women who've turned to prostitution to finance their addiction. Judge Patricia Keller presides over Drug Court, working to break the cycle of drug offenses by offering chances of rehabilitation instead of jail time. These women provide a ray of hope and illustrate the power of human resilience in the midst of such a bleak problem.

With Heroin(e), Sheldon showcases a multidimensional perspective. She uses her lens not only to demonstrate the undeniable tragedy and despair caused by the addiction but to highlight the heroic and steadfast resilience, the unflagging bravery, and the sheer humaneness of its leading characters. By doing so, the documentary allows audiences to see beyond the hopeless state of addiction and witness the transformative power of compassion and dedication.

The film also portrays the stark realities of this devastating drug epidemic, balancing the tragic with the triumphant, and speaking to the larger systemic failures that have contributed to this situation. Particularly poignant are the scenes where first responders attempt to revive overdose victims, and the images of users slumped over, their lives hanging in balance. Yet through these stark, often harrowing visuals, the film maintains its dignity and respect toward its subjects, avoiding sensationalism and instead showing compassion and understanding.

Heroin(e) is not a comfortable watch by any means, but it is necessary and enlightening. It provides an intimate snapshot of an often overlooked population struggling against the turmoil of opioid addiction. Viewers are taken on a journey that evokes both sorrow and hope, providing a holistic understanding of the pervasive societal issue of drug addiction. The true strength of the film lies in its direct, honest portrayal of the crisis, and in its compelling depiction of the unyielding spirit of its subjects.

In terms of achievements, Heroin(e) was a 2018 Oscar nominee for ‘Best Documentary Short Subject,’ a recognition of its relevant social commentary, its deft filmmaking, and the unobtrusive storytelling that amplifies the efforts of those who refuse to give up on their community.

Heroin(e) is a critical watch for anyone looking for insights into the bleak reality of the opioid crisis in America. It provides a sensitive and thought-provoking look at a serious issue affecting communities across the country, intimately capturing the realities of addiction through an unfiltered, empathetic lens that prioritises human dignity and resilience. This deep exploration makes for both a dismal viewing and a hopeful one, providing viewers with a broader understanding of the struggle and the individuals working tirelessly to combat it.