Peter Berg, just released a theatrical masterpiece that exposes the greed and corruption of Big Pharma, specifically Purdue Pharma, a controversial corporation involved in the worst opioid abuse crisis in America caused by their infamous painkiller Oxycontin.

Until I saw this series, I wasn’t really aware of the dangers and addictive power of Oxycontin.

A true story stranger than fiction

Based on true accounts, the series has a thick layer of fiction and magical realism that adds more substance and emotion to the narrative. With a great cast starred with a more mature Matthew Broderick and Orange is the New Black, Uzo Aduba, Painkiller delivers on every episode the story behind the development, success and demise of Oxycontin.

Exposing the Sackler Family

Painkiller focuses vehemently on the characters behind the development of Oxycontin, Purdue Pharma founders, Arthur Sackler (Clark Gregg) and Richard Sackler (Matthew Broderick). Both characters represent the greed and twisted moral of Big Pharma and of corrupt corporations. Throughout the series, many of the tactics used by Purdue Pharma to increase prescription and sales of Oxycontin are exposed through many stories and accounts based on true facts.

The series brings to light an issue that concerns not only the Oxycontin crisis, but many of the tactics used by Big Pharma to increase their profits. Drugs like Oxycontin that are strongly addictive are pushed into the market, creating a whole consumption chain that starts with a very sophisticated sales force with the language and persuasion skills to recruit doctors and train them in massively prescribing the drug. Everything sustained under a false narrative of health and wellbeing to people in pain.

Mafia, the Big Pharma style

Purdue Pharma through Oxycontin generated a substance abuse crisis comparable to the ones created by drug cartels with crack, heroin and cocaine. The modus operandi of the Sackler board is compared to the way mafias operate to get away with crime and murder for the sake of money. Purdue Pharma has profited from Oxycontin sales while causing the death of over half a million people. Many patients have fallen into addiction and ruined their lives and families through the abuse of the substance and the health issues associated with it.

Peter Berg’s message is very clear, it is a condemnation and outcry denouncing the corruption and greed of the Sackler family. It is also a wake-up call that brings awareness into the society we are living in, where power is given to substances due to the individual’s ability to cope with life and suffering.