Netflix's latest series, Toxic Town, has stirred significant conversation, as it delves deep onto the harrowing Corby toxic waste scandal. Set against the backdrop of the late '80s and '90s, this four-part drama follows the lives of mothers whose children were born with limb differences — a consequence, they argue, of exposure to contaminated waste overseen by Corby Borough Council. Jodie Whittaker stars as the fierce Susan McIntyre, whose unwavering commitment to justice makes her the heart of the narrative. The real-life saga is reminiscent of the fight led by Erin Brockovich, thrusting these women's battle for truth and justice back to public consciousness.
Toxic Town tells the story of how corporate negligence led to developmental disabilities among the town's children. After years of unsafe practices by the local steelworks, the community saw tenfold increases in upper-limb differences among infants. This situation escalated when the council was held liable for negligence during the landmark High Court case of 2009. Whittaker's role captures the strength of these mothers — particularly McIntyre, who rallied fellow moms to seek accountability amid dire circumstances.
Toxic Town boasts not just strong performances, but thoughtful writing from BAFTA-winning screenwriter Jack Thorne. Critics and viewers alike note how the show manages to blend sensitive storytelling with engaging narrative arcs, making it watchable yet poignant. Initial reviews show general approval, especially for its ladies' performances, with some calling it “exceptional” and “a must-watch.” While the narrative resists veering too much toward melodrama, some critics felt it occasionally remained too sentimental, potentially sacrificing emotional depth for feel-good moments.
Adam Bloodworth at The Standard commented, "Across four 50 minute episodes, Toxic Town is decently bingeable, mainly because the story is just so shocking... The fallout of the corporate mispractice is fascinating." He praised Whittaker's portrayal as one to be reckoned with as McIntyre deals with societal pressures and systemic failures. Jack Seale from The Guardian echoed these sentiments, noting the bittersweet nature of the storytelling, which captures the resilience of the characters against overwhelming odds. Seale highlighted, "Toxic Town feels responsible to keep its audience engaged, threading humor with despair as it charts their progress toward justice."
Viewers who tuned in during the series’ early release have shared their thoughts as well. One remarked on X, "Toxic Town on Netflix is absolutely brilliant," echoing widespread sentiments about the drama's powerful storytelling. Another commented on its gut-wrenching impact, stating: "This one's going to stay with you long after the credits roll." Fans have noted how the segments highlight the mothers' sheer determination — pivotal moments brought to life by Whittaker’s raw and authentic performance.
While the Corby scandal itself remained underreported for years, Toxic Town serves to illuminate this neglected chapter of history. The plight of children affected by toxic waste presents heavy themes of negligence and public health, encouraging discussions about accountability. Jodie Whittaker described McIntyre as someone with “a fight inside her” and expressed her awe at the depth of her advocacy. "She fought and fought for justice and fought for her child,” she shared, encapsulating the essence of the character she portrays.
Thorne also reflected on the significance of bringing this story to light, noting, “I think the more you look at it, the more complicated it all becomes.” By focusing on Corby, viewers are reminded of the widespread negligence observed across the UK and beyond, sparking much-needed conversations about environmental justice.
Corby’s narrative extends past the individual experiences of mothers like McIntyre; it highlights the systemic failures of local authorities. The dismantling of the town's steel industry left it vulnerable, and the ensuing environmental neglect resulted directly in health consequences for families. The statistics are staggering: children born with disabilities rose significantly compared to normal occurrences elsewhere. The structural shortfalls and questions of government accountability linger like uncleared debris amid the town’s rehabilitation. Toxic Town poses hard-hitting questions about corporate responsibility.
Whittaker's compelling portrayal combined with exceptional performances by Aimee Lou Wood and Claudia Jessie as fellow mothers makes the series resonate emotionally. Each character's struggles represent broader issues of motherhood, societal judgment, and the courage to advocate for change. McIntyre, along with Taylor and Mahon, is portrayed as part of an emotionally vulnerable yet resilient group facing insurmountable odds.
The series does not shy away from the facts: mothers faced accusations of negligence and blame, with societal pressures compounding their emotional turmoil. Whittaker commented on the heartbreaking realities the characters endure, recounting how, at times, people associated their children’s conditions with their behavior during pregnancy, intensifying their anguish. Such portrayals capture the raw experience of unquantifiable grief and the fight against judgement to secure justice for their loved ones.
Toxic Town’s rich storytelling is crafted with layers of nuance, blending both fact and emotion. The personal and communal trauma resulting from systemic failures shines through, leaving audiences with more than mere entertainment — it offers reflections on resilience and accountability. Echoing the sentiments of both critics and supporters, Whittaker stated, "It’s about creating noise and getting attention. For these women, it was never about money; it was about justice and hope.”
Now streaming on Netflix, Toxic Town is more than just another series; it draws viewers closer to the heart of advocacy and the relentless struggles of the ordinary yet powerful voices of working-class women.