Dark Waters

Dark Waters is a 2019 American biographical drama film directed by Todd Haynes, based on the 2016 Bloomberg Businessweek article "The Lawyer Who Became DuPont's Worst Nightmare" by Nathaniel Rich. The film tells the true story of Robert Bilott, a tenacious attorney who takes on one of the world's largest corporations, DuPont, to expose the company's decades-long cover-up of a hazardous chemical that has led to thousands of unexplained deaths and illnesses. The film begins in the early 1990s, where we meet Robert Bilott (played by Mark Ruffalo), a young attorney working at the law firm of Taft Stettinius & Hollister in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Bilott is a rising star in the firm, known for his aggressive and confident approach to case law. However, after being approached by a farmer, Wilbur Tennant (played by Bill Pullman), Bilott discovers that Tennant's cattle have been dying mysteriously due to what appears to be a toxic substance in the water. Bilott initially dismisses the case as a frivolous claim, but as he delves deeper, he begins to notice a pattern of similar cases across West Virginia, all linked to a chemical byproduct called PFOA, also known as C8 (perfluorooctanoic acid). PFOA is manufactured by DuPont, a multinational chemical company that has a long history of producing hazardous materials. Bilott becomes increasingly convinced that DuPont's PFOA is the cause of the strange deaths and illnesses, but he faces resistance from the company, which vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Undeterred, Bilott decides to take on DuPont, armed with a determination to uncover the truth and bring justice to the families of the deceased and affected victims. He faces intense pressure from the company, which uses its vast resources and influence to discredit him and intimidate him into dropping the case. However, Bilott is undeterred, pouring over documents and conducting extensive research to build a case against DuPont. Bilott's investigation reveals a decades-long cover-up by DuPont, which has known about the hazards of PFOA since the 1950s. The company has deliberately withheld information from its employees, the public, and regulatory agencies, while continuing to produce and profit from the toxic chemical. PFOA is a carcinogenic substance that can cause kidney and testicular cancer, birth defects, and other health problems, and yet DuPont has been allowed to operate with impunity for decades. As Bilott's case gains momentum, he faces increasingly difficult challenges. He is met with hostility and aggression from DuPont's lawyers, who accuse him of trying to shake down the company with frivolous lawsuits. He is also faced with opposition from within his own firm, which has strong ties to DuPont and fears that taking on the company will damage their reputation. Bilott's personal life is also put to the test as he risks everything to pursue the case. His relationship with his wife, Darlene (played by Anne Hathaway), begins to fray as he spends long hours working on the case, and their children suffer from the emotional toll of their father's absence. Despite the challenges, Bilott remains steadfast and committed to his mission, convinced that he is fighting for a just cause. With the help of a team of researchers and investigators, he uncovers a treasure trove of evidence that exposes DuPont's cover-up and highlights the devastating impact of PFOA on communities across the United States. The film reaches its climax as Bilott takes his case to federal court, where he delivers a scathing indictment of DuPont's activities. The courtroom drama is tense and dramatic, with both sides presenting their cases in a high-stakes battle for the truth. In the end, Bilott emerges victorious, securing a groundbreaking settlement from DuPont that provides compensation to the families affected by PFOA. The film ends on a hopeful note, with Bilott reflecting on the importance of pursuing justice, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. The film is a tribute to the power of truth and the courage of individuals who stand up for what is right, no matter the cost.