Watch Overload: America's Toxic Love Story

Overload: America's Toxic Love Story is a thought-provoking and eye-opening documentary film that draws attention to the catastrophic effects of chemicals on the environment, wildlife, and human health. Released in 2018, the film is directed by Soozie Eastman, who sets out to uncover the truth about the toxic chemicals that have become prevalent in everyday life, and their impact on our health and environment.

The movie features several noteworthy figures who have extensively researched the use of chemicals and their consequences, such as Ken Cook, the president of the Environmental Working Group, Tyrone Hayes, a biologist, and Rick Bancroft, a fisherman, and conservationist. The documentary is a culmination of their research findings and interviews with experts in the field.

The film begins by painting a picture of a society that is addicted to chemicals. From the pesticides used in agriculture to the compounds used in manufactured goods, the documentary points out that chemicals are everywhere. Such excessive use of chemicals has taken a toll on living beings, wildlife, and the environment.

The documentary delves deeply into the impact of pesticides on agriculture and the health of farmworkers. It highlights the negative effects of Glyphosate, the primary ingredient in Roundup, a commonly used pesticide. It also sheds light on the harm done to the ecosystem by the excessive use of agricultural chemicals. The film's focus on the issue makes it a case against these chemicals and their impact on people's health.

Moreover, Overload: America's Toxic Love Story also explores the effect of chemicals on our daily habits. The documentary walks the audience through the hazards of plastic, chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA), and other synthetic components present in everyday items. The movie's emphasis on these chemicals and their effects on human health illuminates the result of the consumerist and capitalist society we live in and makes a convincing case against the status quo.

Furthermore, the documentary presents a compelling narrative that exemplifies the harm these chemicals cause to the ecosystem. For instance, the film takes the audience on a journey through the Cascade Mountains, where fisherman Rick Bancroft shows how fishermen can no longer fish and catch sufficient fish due to the high toxicity levels in fish. The visuals of opaque waters and dead fish bring to light the issue of chemical pollution.

The most striking part of the film is its focus on individuals who have been victims of these chemicals, such as Tyrone Hayes, a biologist who has spent 20 years studying the effects of Atrazine on frogs. Hayes' study found that Atrazine caused male frogs to become female, disrupt their growth and cancer-causing effects.

The documentary brings the issue of environmental justice and social inequality into its conversations by showing how communities with little resources are disproportionately affected by chemical pollution. The film's primary focus on the effects of chemicals on low-income communities and minorities gives a voice to those who've been affected and makes the case for change.

In conclusion, Overload: America's Toxic Love Story is a well-crafted documentary that provides an in-depth look into the devastating effects of chemicals on human health and the ecosystem. From revealing interviews to stunning visuals, the film reminds us of the impact of daily consumerism and our extraneous use of chemicals. The documentary is a wake-up call to take action against environmental harm and to advocate for change. It's a must-watch for anyone concerned about the impact of human activity on the world around us.

Overload: America's Toxic Love Story is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.