What Lies Upstream

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What Lies Upstream

Released Jan 12, 2018

1h 29m

Documentary

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11 Reviews

90%

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500+ Ratings

Investigative filmmaker Cullen Hoback uncovers the truth behind a massive chemical spill that leaves 300,000 West Virginians without drinking water.

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Robert Abele

Los Angeles Times

By acknowledging what isn't known about drinking water, but what should be illuminated about the mechanism behind it, "What Lies Upstream" proves an exemplary piece of advocacy filmmaking.

Jan 11, 2018

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Ben Kenigsberg

New York Times

Is "What Lies Upstream" persuasive in all respects? No. Will it make you think twice about what's gone unnoticed in your tap water? Absolutely.

Jan 11, 2018

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Sheri Linden

The Hollywood Reporter

This quietly chilling wake-up call is sure to be one of the most vital documentaries to hit theaters in 2018.

Dec 21, 2017

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Phil Guie

Film-Forward.com

Perhaps this new denouement is more provocative than the original; the overall content is certainly compelling enough to motivate audiences, or voters, to take action.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 21, 2019

Full Review

Sr. Rose Pacatte

National Catholic Reporter

It seems to me that this timely new film establishes that the current attention given to Pruitt's living situation in Washington, D.C., and pay raises for officials in the EPA, are miniscule compared to the environmental disaster ahead.

Apr 13, 2018

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Chris Barsanti

Film Journal International

A powerful cri de couer about terrifyingly lax government oversight of the water supply.

Jan 11, 2018

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dave d

If ignorance is truly bliss then this film isn't for you. If you like being informed about the government lying to you and you can handle people talking truth to power then you will thoroughly enjoy this documentary about the West Virginia Water crisis. I strongly recommend watching this and be prepared it's not pretty and frankly it's disgusting how screwed we cold all be without safe drinking water. A tip of the cap to documentarian Cullen Hoback who put together a great film. Final Score: 9.3/10

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

To pollute & get away with you must pollute the body politic even more than the water you sicken the population with.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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Audience Member

This was captivating, shocking and depressing. Extremely well put together, and good recounting of a very complicated story. I am a water scientist and I saw this as a sound analysis and explanation of some incredible challenges to the drinking water world. Everyone who drinks municipal water or fertilizes a lawn should see this.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

We like to think that our water is safe. The water company, state officials, doctors, scientists, federal agencies, politicians, reporters all have our backs right? The truth is we as a society REALLY don't want to admit that our water is unsafe because it's just too expensive to fix so instead we just awkwardly try to pretend that the high rates of autism, cancer, birth defects, asthma, etc. are mysteriously caused by something else.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

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Audience Member

America is one sick sick country. Disgusting.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/01/18

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Cullen Hoback

Director

Cullen Hoback

Self

Martin Riese

Self

Cullen Hoback

Writer

Cullen Hoback

Producer

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Synopsis

Investigative filmmaker Cullen Hoback uncovers the truth behind a massive chemical spill that leaves 300,000 West Virginians without drinking water.

Director: Cullen Hoback
Producer: Cullen Hoback, Nitin Khanna, John Ramos
Screenwriter: Cullen Hoback
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 12, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 16, 2018
Runtime: 1h 29m

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