Watch What Lies Upstream

What Lies Upstream is a gripping documentary film from 2017 that explores the corruption and cover-up in the American drinking water industry. The movie is directed by Cullen Hoback and features prominent figures such as Erin Brockovich-Ellis, Marc Edwards, and Rahul Gupta. The film revolves around the Flint water crisis, which took place in 2014 in Flint, Michigan, where the residents complained about the quality of their drinking water. The documentary takes the audience on a journey that begins with the events in Flint and leads to a shocking discovery of how pervasive and systemic the water crisis is across the US.

Throughout the movie, Erin Brockovich-Ellis, an environmental activist and consumer advocate, provides her insights and expertise on water pollution and government corruption. Marc Edwards, a civil engineer, and scientist, who exposed the Flint water crisis, also adds his perspective on the issue.

The documentary uses a mix of interviews, news coverage, and footage from congressional hearings to explain how the drinking water crisis unfolded in Flint. The film highlights how the Michigan government overlooked residents' complaints about the water's taste, smell, and color.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that there is a more significant problem than just the Flint water crisis. The documentary delves into the environmental politics of how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act have failed to protect the American public from lead contamination.

Rahul Gupta, the former health commissioner of West Virginia, adds another layer to the film by explaining how the coal industry has contributed to lead pollution in the state's water supply. Gupta's work on the opioid crisis in West Virginia also shows the profound impact of contaminated drinking water on public health.

What Lies Upstream ends with a call to action, urging viewers to demand more transparency in the drinking water industry and for accountability from government officials. The film is a sobering reminder of the importance of access to clean drinking water and the consequences of government corruption.

Overall, What Lies Upstream is a well-crafted and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a critical issue facing the American public. The film combines personal stories, scientific analysis, and government policy to create a compelling argument on the need for change. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in environmental politics or public health.

What Lies Upstream is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 80.