The Devil We Know

The Devil We Know. This 2018 American documentary film, directed by Stephanie Soechtig, investigates the widespread environmental contamination caused by the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a key component in Teflon manufactured by the multinational chemical corporation DuPont. The film centers on the legal battle waged by attorney Robert Bilott and the community of Parkersburg, West Virginia, alongside scientific research and advocacy work, to expose decades of corporate malfeasance and its devastating health impacts. Narrated by actor and environmental activist Mark Ruffalo, the documentary weaves together personal stories, legal drama, and scientific inquiry to present a compelling case about regulatory failure and public health.

Overview

The documentary serves as a forensic examination of one of the most significant cases of corporate pollution in modern American history, tracing the origins of PFOA from its development by 3M and use by DuPont at its Washington Works plant in West Virginia. It positions the narrative within the broader context of environmental law and toxic tort litigation, highlighting the challenges faced by ordinary citizens against powerful industrial interests. The film's title alludes to the adage about choosing known dangers over unknown ones, a theme explored through the chemical industry's long-standing knowledge of PFOA's hazards. By focusing on the residents of the Ohio River Valley, the film provides a human face to a complex scientific and legal saga, connecting local suffering to a global contamination issue.

Production and release

Director Stephanie Soechtig, known for previous documentaries like Fed Up, began developing the project after encountering reporting on the subject by The Intercept and the work of journalist Sharon Lerner. Principal filming took place in West Virginia and Ohio, capturing interviews with affected families, scientists like Arlene Blum, and key figures such as Rob Bilott and Earl Tennant. The film premiered on January 19, 2018, at the Sundance Film Festival in the Documentary Premieres section, garnering significant attention for its shocking revelations. Following its festival run, it was acquired for distribution by Netflix, making it widely available to a global audience in June 2018, which amplified its public impact considerably.

Synopsis

The narrative follows Parkensburg, West Virginia farmer Earl Tennant, who becomes suspicious after his cattle begin dying mysteriously, and his quest for answers leads him to attorney Robert Bilott at the firm Taft Stettinius & Hollister. Bilott's investigation uncovers that DuPont had been dumping PFOA, known internally as C8, into the Ohio River and local landfills for decades, contaminating the water supply of tens of thousands of people. The film details the landmark class-action lawsuit that resulted in a massive epidemiological study of nearly 70,000 affected residents, which established probable links between PFOA exposure and diseases like kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid disease. Parallel stories include the advocacy of affected mother Darlene Kiger and the scientific persistence of researchers challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's regulatory inaction.

Reception

Upon its release, the film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its thorough investigation and emotional resonance. Publications like The Hollywood Reporter noted its "chilling, methodical" approach, while Variety commended its clarity in explaining complex science and legal proceedings. The performance of Mark Ruffalo as narrator was also highlighted for adding gravitas. The documentary holds a high approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics consensus emphasizing its importance as an exposé. It was nominated for several awards, including a News & Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary, solidifying its reputation as a significant work in the genre of investigative environmental filmmaking.

Impact and legacy

The documentary played a substantial role in raising public awareness about the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the chemical family that includes PFOA, leading to increased media scrutiny and political action. Its release contributed to mounting pressure on the United States Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency to address PFAS contamination, influencing hearings and proposed legislation like the PFAS Action Act. The story of Robert Bilott and the Parkersburg community inspired further media projects, including the major feature film Dark Waters starring Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway, and the book Exposure by Bilott himself. The film endures as a crucial case study in environmental justice, corporate accountability, and the power of civic perseverance.