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Toxic Town Review: I Was Barely Distracted By The Legal Drama's Pacing Issues Thanks To A Compelling Cast & True Story Elements
Toxic Town streams on Netflix February 27.
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Toxic Town is everything it's promised to be. Within the first few moments, the British Netflix drama explains its depiction of the Corby toxic waste case is based on true events, but that not everything the series depicts is true. This includes names of characters and exact events, something that becomes clearer as the show's factual elements are laced with interpersonal drama. Yet, despite its less true-to-life elements laying the groundwork for a potentially unfaithful recreation, the show manages to stay engaging and emotionally resonant in every single episode.
Each episode of the show takes place during a different year between 1995 and 2009, focusing on young mothers in Corby, Northamptonshire, whose children are mysteriously born with physical differences. This includes Susan McIntyre (Jodie Whittaker), whose son was born with one fully-grown finger, and Tracey Taylor (Aimee Lou Wood), whose daughter's internal organs aren't fully formed. As their search for justice turns up other mothers in similar positions, they hire lawyer Des Collins (Rory Kinnear), leading to a legal battle with Corby Steelworks and the Borough Council itself.
Toxic Town Has Enough Truth & Intrigue To Make Up For Any InaccuraciesCompelling Characters Make The Show's Emotional Events Hit HarderDespite Toxic Town's accurate depiction of the legal battle that took place in Corby, the Netflix miniseries presents a character-focused story. This includes the relationships between Susan, Tracey, and Maggie Mahon (Claudia Jessie), showcasing the lengths to which all three real-world figures went to achieve justice for their children. The same goes for Des, whose legal case and interactions with the mothers effectively blend interpersonal interactions with the legal case. The extent to which the children's disabilities impact their lives is also explored, striking a perfect balance between historical fact and dramatization.
While the miniseries isn't without its more tragic moments, especially near the start, when it's not clear what's happening to Corby's babies, the Netflix show manages to balance its darkness with hopeful moments, even when justice won't come easy.
Alongside the characters' legal case and their attempt at bringing Corby's Borough Council to justice, the show also focuses on Corby Steelworks' side of things. This includes well-meaning council member Sam Hagen (Robert Carlyle), and Roy Thomas (Bendan Coyle), who has a different perspective on how to handle potential issues at Steelworks. The pair have central roles to play throughout the show, especially as the extent of their activities and how they affected Corby are slowly brought to light. It adds intensity to the story that fits neatly with the central case being built.
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These elements are compounded by strong writing from Jack Thorne (His Dark Materials) and co-writer Amy Trigg (Ralph & Katie), alongside director Minkie Spiro's (3 Body Problem) work on each episode. The show allows its heavier moments to linger, while also providing just enough levity to make its premise less dreary. While the miniseries isn't without its more tragic moments, especially near the start, when it's not clear what's happening to Corby's babies, the Netflix show manages to balance its darkness with hopeful moments, even when justice doesn't come easy.
Interpersonal Drama Can Make Bigger Story Elements ShrinkDespite the importance of the series' many interpersonal dramatic elements, they can occasionally distract from the larger story at play. This is mostly the case in episodes 1 and 2, where some character interactions felt less necessary than others. While it made sense to focus more on personal drama to offer strong characterization at the outset, this made some parts of early episodes drag on for longer than needed. Luckily, this was a small grievance the latter episodes address, though it still makes the show feel slightly lengthier than necessary.
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Aside from this pacing issue in the show's first half, Toxic Town presents an important story in a serviceable way, with a focus on mothers who fought for their children. This includes strong performances from everyone involved, coupled with important aspects of the real case being presented alongside the dramatized moments. It's a compelling blend of reality and embellishment that makes the series stand out, maintaining its depiction of an important legal case in the UK's history.
Toxic Town Release Date February 27, 2025Toxic Town depicts the struggle of three mothers in the East Midlands during the late 1980s as they challenge the perpetrators of a toxic waste disaster. This film portrays their relentless pursuit of justice amid the dire consequences of environmental negligence.
Pros & ConsCompelling characters elevate the miniseries' true story. The show bolsters its true story with interpersonal elements. The case is compelling thanks to strong writing and directing. The first two episodes meander occasionally, with moments that cut into the pacing.
