Directed by Todd Haynes 2019. Reviewed by Patricia Stevenson

Usually when I go to the movies I look through the options, check out the directors, cast and maybe a précis. But because the cinemas had just reopened and the time was convenient, I took Hobson’s choice — and I am so pleased I did.

Dark Waters, a docudrama, is based on a New York Times article by Nathaniel Rich, “The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare”. The story describes how a lawyer fought the might of the powerful DuPont chemical manufacturing company. It is a David and Goliath story.

Robert Billot (Mark Ruffalo) is a young lawyer in a prestigious New York law firm specialising in corporate law. His client Wilbur Tennant (Bill Camp) is a West Virginian farmer. Billot is reluctant to take on the case, but Tennant’s trump card was a recommendation from Billot’s grandmother.

Law firm head Tom Terp (Tim Robbins) explained the pitfalls and dangers of the undertaking but finally agreed to the case. So began the marathon of a difficult, protracted case. Tennant had video evidence of the degradation of the soil and water on his farm where his cattle were dying. He knew the toxicity was caused by DuPont using neighbouring land for their waste disposal.

Of course Billot was not greeted kindly by DuPont, protected by a battery of lawyers. Billot asked for the paperwork associated with dumping the waste and a moving company deluged his office with boxes of papers completely unorganised. It took many weeks to sift through.

Billot’s wife Sarah (Anne Hathaway) began to question the project and especially the impact it had on their young family. The tension builds on all fronts as the struggle for justice continues.

Dark Waters is a compelling story — thought provoking, gripping, a real thriller. And soon after the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si’, this film is timely. 

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 249 June 2020: 33