We live in a time dominated by corporations, and we rely on them for goods and services to survive and live our lives comfortably. As consumers, we expect these companies to look out for and prioritize the health and safety of its customers above all else; however, we all know this isn’t always the case and that corporations, just like people, have the tendency to be greedy, selfish, and evil. There are certain products, like tobacco and alcohol, which come with a high level of known risk; however, other things, such as drinking water and pots and pans, are a different story entirely. It’s the latter that Dark Waters explores, and it unearths a massive web of corporate deceit whose everlasting effect impacts pretty much each and every one of us.

Based on the 2016 article "The Lawyer Who Became DuPont's Worst Nightmare" by Nathaniel Rich (published in The New York Times Magazine), Dark Waters turns this straight-from-the-headlines true story into something pretty palpable and tense. Though it can certainly be faulted for being fairly conventional and paint by numbers, the film’s fascinating and important story, solid execution, and strong performances are enough to make it an engaging night out. Its didactic approach may be problematic to some, but it’s hard to dismiss the importance of the information it presents. If you were already distrusting of your corporate overlords, Dark Waters may have you tossing out your pots and pans and paranoid about the water coming out of your faucet.