Plastic is so ingrained in modern life that most of us rarely stop to think about it. It’s found in the packaging that holds our food, the containers in our refrigerators, the bottles in our bathrooms, and even the clothes in our closets. The documentary “The Plastic Detox”, directed by Louie Psihoyos and Josh Murphy, and written by Mark Monroe, poses a simple yet unsettling question: What is all this plastic doing to our bodies?
The film focuses on six couples who attempt a “plastic detox” by removing as much plastic as possible from their homes. What starts as a lifestyle experiment quickly turns into something much more revealing. The families discover how deeply plastic products are embedded in their daily routines, from food storage to cosmetics to cleaning supplies. Even when they try to eliminate plastic, they realize avoiding it entirely is almost impossible.
“The Plastic Detox*” becomes particularly impactful when it delves into the science of microplastics. Through interviews with researchers and medical experts, the documentary illustrates how microscopic plastic particles have begun appearing in places scientists once believed to be impossible—such as human blood, organs, and even placentas. Researchers featured in the film link these particles to hormone disruption, fertility issues, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.
The filmmakers effectively balance these scientific findings with personal stories. Several couples discuss their struggles with infertility and unexplained health problems, adding a human element to the research. These moments prevent the documentary from feeling overly academic, allowing the information to resonate more emotionally.
Stylistically, Psihoyos and Murphy present the material straightforwardly. The use of interviews, home experiments, and occasional graphics simplifies the research and makes it accessible. While the film may lack the flashy visuals often associated with environmental documentaries, the filmmakers demonstrate that the real power lies in the information itself.
By the end of the film, viewers may find themselves looking at everyday items—such as plastic bottles, food containers, and grocery packaging—with a new perspective. The documentary does not suggest that plastic can be eliminated overnight; instead, it offers practical steps people can take to reduce their exposure to it.
Documentaries often aim to make audiences aware of issues that are hiding in plain sight, and “The Plastic Detox” succeeds in this regard. It’s a film that lingers in your mind long after you’ve viewed it, making you pause before reaching for a plastic bottle.
Final Grade : B
“The Plastic Detox” is available to stream on Netflix today.
Director Potsy Ponciroli shifts gears for his third feature in “Motor City,” produced by IFC Films. Chad St. John penned the film’s screenplay, which was actually on the 2009 Black List and spent several years in development hell before finally getting underway.
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Writer-director Lee Cronin made an impressive feature film debut in 2019 with “The Hole in the Ground” and followed it up with a fresh and gruesome installment in the “Evil Dead” franchise, “Evil Dead Rise”. However, due to adult responsibilities, I missed his third film in theaters. The mixed reviews and rumors of a troubled production have me concerned.
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