This American series, with Uzo Aduba and Matthew Broderick, looks back on a pharmaceutical scandal that marked the United States.
If you’re a Netflix subscriber, you certainly haven’t missed the platform’s two big releases last week: Agent Stone, the action blockbuster starring Gal Gadot, and Painkiller, a drama series that thrilled viewers. .
Just days after its release, Painkiller tops the list of most-watched programs on the platform, dethroning the romcom A Perfect Tale and the historical drama Outlander.
It must be said that this new series focuses on a subject that is as revolting as it is fascinating, that of the opioid crisis in the United States. Since the 1990s, pharmaceutical lobbies have greatly encouraged general practitioners to prescribe painkillers based on opiate derivatives to their patients for back pain, for example.
With an honorable rating of 3.7/5 on its AlloCiné page – which does not equal that of the Dopesick series (Disney+) which talks about the same subject – Painkiller has generally convinced the spectators. The latter underline the quality of its production, its impeccable cast (Uzo Aduba, Matthew Broderick, Taylor Kitsch …) and the treatment of the subject. With 6 episodes of 45 minutes only, it is perfect for a binge-watching session.
“Nugget! A fascinating series on the opioid scandal in the United States in which are exposed the different stages of the creation then the prescription and the devastating consequences of these powerful painkillers.
A rhythmic and quality realization, as well as an impeccable interpretation. Uzo ADUBA in the lead role delivers an exceptional performance here. A must see !” (lyah)
“Excellent series seen in one go. This furious opioid madness that is often associated with the United States, but which is rampant all over the world, especially in France” (What the fuck)
“It’s funny that a series that talks about America’s addiction to oxycontin is so addictive a must see, the narration and the photographer are superb” (marion bogaert)
“This series is not bad but a little too romanticized. On the same subject, the series Dopesick is really excellent, the direction is much better, just like the actors. (GIJoe)
“Six episodes that I found anxiety-provoking and left a lasting impression on me.” (Alex Motamots)
If Painkiller is not intended to become a multi-season series, it could still be renewed by Netflix. Purdue Pharma, the pharmaceutical company that marketed OxyContin (the addictive painkiller) was condemned a few years ago but the United States is still paying the consequences…