Watch Under Our Skin

Under Our Skin is a powerful and eye-opening documentary that takes a deep dive into the controversial and complex world of Lyme disease. The film follows the plight of several individuals as they struggle to cope with the debilitating and often misunderstood illness, while also shedding light on the political and medical obstacles that prevent patients from receiving the treatment and care they so desperately need.

The documentary begins with an exploration of the symptoms and causes of Lyme disease, which is transmitted by ticks and can lead to a range of physical and neurological problems if left untreated. We meet several Lyme disease patients who recount their harrowing journeys - from being misdiagnosed with other illnesses, to being dismissed by doctors who refuse to recognize their symptoms or prescribe the necessary antibiotics.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Lyme disease is much more than just a medical condition - it's a deeply divisive issue that pits patients against doctors, scientists against politicians, and skeptics against believers. Under Our Skin exposes the corruption and bias that has plagued the medical industry for decades, as doctors and researchers struggle to agree on the most effective treatments and protocols for the disease.

The documentary also highlights the impact of Lyme disease on a personal level, as we witness the heart-wrenching struggles of patients and their families to find answers and support. Mandy Hughes, one of the film's subjects, is a young woman whose life is permanently altered by the disease, forcing her to give up her dream of becoming a chiropractor and undergo multiple surgeries just to maintain her mobility.

Sean Hughes, Mandy's father, is a former physician who becomes an advocate for Lyme disease patients after witnessing his own daughter's struggles. He soon discovers that the medical establishment is rife with corruption, and that many doctors and researchers are more concerned with preserving their reputations and funding than helping sick patients.

Dana Walsh, another subject of the film, is a former nurse who becomes a patient after being infected with Lyme disease while on the job. She spends years pursuing various treatments and cures, eventually realizing that the most effective approach is a controversial and expensive treatment called hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Under Our Skin is a fascinating exposé that sheds light on a little-understood disease and the deeply entrenched biases and politics that surround it. The film is expertly crafted, weaving together personal stories with scientific research and political intrigue to create a compelling and thought-provoking experience.

Throughout the film, we are introduced to doctors, researchers, politicians, and activists who are all working to uncover the truth about Lyme disease and advocate for patients. We see the frustration and desperation of patients who are often ignored or dismissed by the medical establishment, and we witness the heartbreak of families who watch their loved ones suffer from a disease that is still not fully understood.

Perhaps most importantly, Under Our Skin is a call to action, urging viewers to become informed and involved in the fight against Lyme disease. The film highlights the critical need for better testing and treatment options, as well as the urgent need for more research and funding to combat this devastating illness.

Overall, Under Our Skin is a compelling, informative, and emotional documentary that deserves to be seen by anyone who is interested in the intersections of medicine, politics, and personal experience. It is a powerful reminder that the fight against disease is never just about science - it's also about compassion, advocacy, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Under Our Skin is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 63.