#SXSW: “THE OXY KINGPINS”

By Amanda Gilmore

This informative Documentary uncovers the story of how a network of pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers worked together to create the opioid crisis.

Co-Directors Brendan FitzGerald and Nick August-Perna dive deep into the corruption from people at the top to the victims. We get to hear from people who illegally sold oxycontin, a lawyer attempting to hold the corporations accountable and one recovering addict. Through these subjects’ stories, a line is drawn directly from the pharmaceutical companies who know the drug is highly addictive, to the doctors who over-prescribe it, to the pharmacists who turn a blind eye. This clear line exposes a system of corruption and an atmosphere of claiming ignorance when approving suspicious requests.

This enthralling Documentary delivers complex information in a clear, easy way to understand. Unfortunately, there is so satisfactory resolution for The Oxy Kingpins, as the epidemic is ongoing. However, it leaves you with the hope that an upcoming Nevada court case brought against the companies will hold them accountable.

The Oxy Kingpins screens at SXSW: Tuesday, March 16 at 1 PM ET.