Edie Flowers symbolizes the battle against Purdue Pharma.
Edie Flowers symbolizes the battle against Purdue Pharma.
The Poignant and Powerful World of “Painkiller”
Introducing “Painkiller,” the newest limited series on Netflix that takes on the opioid epidemic. Now, we’ve seen other shows like “Dopesick” and “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed” tackle the dark side of Purdue Pharma and OxyContin addiction. But hold on to your seats, because “Painkiller” might just be the most poignant of them all! Based on Barry Meier’s jaw-dropping book, “Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America’s Opioid Epidemic,” this thrilling Netflix series follows the journeys of six individuals profoundly affected by the crisis.
Now, let’s dive into the gripping world of “Painkiller.” Sure, we have the working-class heroes who fell prey to addiction after getting a painkiller prescription. But wait, there’s more! This series also zooms in on the figures in the justice system who took on Purdue Pharma. One such character is the fierce federal investigator, Edie Flowers, played by the incredible Uzo Aduba. Remember her from “Orange Is the New Black” and the HBO hit “In Treatment”? Well, she’s back, and this time she’s determined to hold the notorious Sackler family accountable.
“I loved embodying Edie Flowers,” Uzo Aduba spilled to Netflix. Now, let me tell you, the world of Edie is a mix of fiction and reality. She’s a fictional character, yes, but she’s based on multiple real-life investigators. And guess who she crosses paths with? The infamous Richard Sackler, brilliantly portrayed by Matthew Broderick in the series. Uzo couldn’t help but sing his praises, and we’re right there with her!
But here’s the thing: Uzo’s connection to the opioid epidemic goes beyond the script. During her interview on the Skip Intro podcast, she shared a heart-wrenching revelation. A distant family friend, who tragically lost their child, revealed that it was opioid-related. Can you imagine that moment when Uzo realized how close to home this crisis hits? Suddenly, it wasn’t just another news story—it became a personal tale that she carried with her.
So, buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as “Painkiller” takes you on a wild ride through the opioid epidemic. Gripping stories, unforgettable characters, and a cast that brings their A-game—this series has it all. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
