Prescription Thugs
Prescription Thugs

Movie spotlight

Prescription Thugs

2016
Movie
86 min
English

Americans consume 75% of the world’s prescription drugs. After losing his own brother to the growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse, documentarian Chris Bell sets out to demystify this insidious addiction. Bell’s examination into the motives of big pharma and doctors in this ever-growing market leads him to meet with experts on the nature of addiction, survivors with first-hand accounts of their struggle, and whistleblowers who testify to the dollar-driven aims of pharmaceutical corporations. Ultimately his investigation will point back to where it all began: his own front door.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users78%
Director: Chris BellGenres: Documentary, Crime

Plot Summary

Filmmaker Chris Bell investigates the growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse in America. The documentary explores the pharmaceutical industry's influence, the devastating impact on families, and the personal stories of individuals struggling with addiction. Bell confronts doctors, pharmaceutical representatives, and addicts in his quest to understand the root causes of this crisis.

Critical Reception

Prescription Thugs received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many commending its timely and important subject matter. Reviewers often highlighted the film's raw honesty and the emotional impact of the personal stories presented. Some criticism was directed at the film's pacing and occasional lack of directorial polish, but the overall consensus was that it shed necessary light on a critical public health issue.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its urgent and unflinching look at prescription drug abuse.

  • Appreciated for its personal and emotional approach to a widespread crisis.

  • Some found the documentary to be uneven in its execution and narrative focus.

Google audience: Audiences generally found 'Prescription Thugs' to be a compelling and eye-opening documentary that effectively highlighted the severity of the prescription drug crisis. Many viewers expressed gratitude for the film shedding light on the personal tragedies associated with addiction and the powerful stories of those affected.

Fun Fact

Director Chris Bell tragically passed away from a heart attack in 2015, before the film's release. His brother, who appears in the documentary, completed the film in his memory.

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