Michael Keaton’s miniseries, Dopesick, originally came out five years ago, but it still feels incredibly timely and gripping today. The show is based on Beth Macy’s 2021 book, Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America, and first appeared on Hulu in October 2021. If you’re looking for a thrilling series to watch, the question is: do you want a classic murder mystery like Netflix’s His & Hers, or something that will really make you think?
We all love a good thriller with unexpected twists and turns, especially when paired with a favorite snack. But some of the most compelling miniseries delve into darker, more emotionally resonant stories that feel grounded in reality, moving beyond common tropes like secret twins or towns full of hidden secrets.
Why ‘Dopesick’ Is Still a Memorable, Intense, and Important Miniseries
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Dopesick tackles the serious issue of the opioid crisis, and the show is powerfully brought to life by its talented cast. Michael Keaton delivers a particularly outstanding performance, earning him the 2022 Emmy for Lead Actor in a Limited Series. He plays Dr. Samuel Finnix, and we follow his heartbreaking story over eight episodes. Though the overall outcome is predictable, the series still manages to be surprisingly impactful and often unsettling as we watch Dr. Finnix grapple with prescribing OxyContin to his patients.
Michael Keaton consistently proves he’s a versatile actor who defies categorization, and his best role may still be ahead of him. While many know him as Batman, he first gained fame through beloved comedies like Beetlejuice and Mr. Mom. More recently, he’s impressed audiences with dramatic performances in films like Spotlight, innovative projects like Birdman, and the fascinating story of McDonald’s in The Founder.
Besides established actors, Dopesick showcased rising stars who have become more prominent since the show aired. Kaitlyn Dever delivered a compelling performance as Betsy Mallum, a character battling OxyContin addiction after an injury. Since then, she’s taken on roles like controversial influencer Belle Gibson in Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar and Abby in the second season of The Last of Us. Will Poulter, who played a pharmaceutical sales representative, is now well-known for his charming portrayal of chef Luca in The Bear. The series also benefited from strong performances by Rosario Dawson and Peter Sarsgaard.
This gripping miniseries powerfully portrays the opioid crisis, examining the experiences of both those struggling with addiction and the pharmaceutical representatives driven by profit. It delves into complex issues like addiction, the abuse of power, greed, faith, and family dynamics, all framed around the legal battle against Purdue Pharma. The series doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of OxyContin use and reveals how Purdue Pharma profited immensely. Featuring a fictionalized portrayal of Richard Sackler, played by Michael Stuhlbarg, the series brings a deeply human side to the headlines, showing the devastating impact on individuals and families in a truly heartbreaking way.
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I was really struck by the ending of Dopesick. Unlike some shows that tie everything up neatly, it felt as messy and complicated as the actual events it portrayed. It really hit home when I read about the scope of the opioid crisis – a study showed that nearly 18 million people in the Americas were struggling with drug use disorders in 2021, and opioids were responsible for over 75% of those deaths. It’s a harsh truth. While I enjoy a good, escapist thriller, I think the most powerful stories are the ones that tackle difficult, real-world issues and make you truly consider them, and that’s exactly what Dopesick does. That’s why it’s stayed with me.
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