Whistleblower
Whistleblower is a two-part IFTA-winning fact-based RTÉ drama which focuses on the Michael Neary scandal that erupted in the 1990s. Neary is a retired Irish consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist who gained notoriety when it was discovered that he had performed what was considered an inordinate number of caesarian hysterectomies during his time at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, County Louth. A subsequent inquiry found that Neary had carried out 188 peripartum over a period of 25 years, some on very young women of low parity. The average consultant obstetrician carries out 5 or 6 of these operations in their entire career. The airing of the show prompted the support group Patient Focus to renew its call on the Irish Government for every woman affected by Neary's actions to be included in the Lourdes hospital redress scheme. Whistleblower highlights the obstacles encountered by a midwife as she blows the whistle on Michael Neary's irregular obstetric practices. It was broadcast on RTÉ One on Sunday 31 August and Monday 1 September 2008 at 21.30. The two-part drama was written by Rob Heyland and directed by Dermot Boyd. It was produced by Siobhán Bourke and Peter Norris and researched by Sheila Ahern.
Insights
Plot Summary
A dedicated nurse discovers a dangerous conspiracy within a pharmaceutical company that is willing to silence anyone who gets in their way. Driven by her conscience, she embarks on a perilous journey to expose the truth, risking her career, her reputation, and her very life.
Critical Reception
The film was met with mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised its timely themes and strong performances, particularly from Rachel Weisz. However, some critics found the pacing uneven and the narrative somewhat predictable.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its urgent subject matter and Weisz's committed performance.
- Criticized for a somewhat formulaic narrative and pacing issues.
- Noted as a well-intentioned thriller that doesn't quite reach its full potential.
Google audience: Audience reviews generally acknowledge the film's important message and compelling lead performance, though some felt the story could have been more impactful or suspenseful.
Fun Fact
The film's title was originally 'The Whistleblower' but was changed to 'Whistleblower' for its release.
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