Dark Waters 2019

Biography

Drama

History

Thriller

Box Office

$23M

Runtime

126 min

Language

English

Directed by

Todd Haynes

Made by

Focus Features

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Dark Waters (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.

In 1998, corporate defense attorney Robert Bilott, played by Mark Ruffalo, finds his life taking an unexpected turn when a distressed farmer, Wilbur Tennant (portrayed by Bill Camp), reaches out to him with severe concerns. Wilbur, an acquaintance of Robert’s grandmother, presents boxes of tapes and unsettling evidence showing that all 190 of his cows have mysteriously died. These animals exhibit bizarre symptoms, leading Wilbur to believe that the livestock’s demise is linked to the nearby DuPont plant, which has been disposing of waste irresponsibly. Despite his initial reluctance, Robert decides to visit Wilbur in Parkersburg, West Virginia, to witness the evidence first-hand.

Wilbur’s troubling claims compel Robert to delve deeper into this environmental crisis, and he approaches his boss, Tom Terp (played by Tim Robbins), hoping to take on this case as a minor project. Tom skeptically agrees, launching Robert into a legal battle against one of the country’s largest companies. During one attorney function, Robert confronts DuPont’s legal representative, Phil Donnelly (acted by Victor Garber), who dismissively downplays the situation. Undeterred, Robert files a small lawsuit to pry open DuPont’s secrets through legal discovery.

As Robert immerses himself in the mountain of documents provided by DuPont, he uncovers a troubling chemical called PFOA, used in Teflon production and linked to devastating health effects. Meanwhile, his pregnant wife, Sarah Barlage Bilott (played by Anne Hathaway), begins to worry about Robert’s obsessive quest. Their conversation reveals shocking truths about PFOA, which DuPont has known to be harmful for decades but failed to disclose.

As the stakes escalate, Robert grapples with the fallout of suing DuPont, which leads to social ostracism for Wilbur and deep personal struggles for Robert. After realizing the impacts on Wilbur and their community, Robert feels compelled to secure a fair settlement, culminating in a class-action lawsuit against DuPont, backed by local residents including Darlene Kiger (depicted by Mare Winningham), who share their harrowing experiences tied to the plant.

Despite significant resistance from his law firm and the looming threat of DuPont’s powerful influence, Robert perseveres with unwavering determination. Their court battle comes with emotional and financial burdens, but Robert pushes forward, igniting community support and sparking national attention to the case.

“No one’s ever going to believe you,” Robert recalls hearing from Wilbur, a reminder of the uphill battle he faces.

Ultimately, Robert’s tireless efforts yield fruitful results. After years of legal proceedings, the scientific panel validates that PFOA is responsible for serious health issues. Robert manages to secure lucrative settlements from DuPont, demonstrating the fight for justice that resonates beyond him, yet underlining the pervasive presence of unregulated chemicals in the world.

Through resilience and ambition, Robert Bilott not only brings accountability to DuPont but also sheds light on a broader crisis affecting countless lives, signifying a triumph against corporate negligence.

Timeline

Track the key events of Dark Waters (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.

Wilbur Tennant Seeks Help

In 1998, distressed farmer Wilbur Tennant approaches corporate defense attorney Robert Bilott with alarming evidence. Wilbur reveals that all 190 of his cows have died under mysterious circumstances, showcasing troubling symptoms that he believes are linked to the nearby DuPont plant.

1998 Parkersburg, West Virginia

Robert Bilott's Disclosure

Despite his initial hesitations, Robert decides to investigate Wilbur's claims. He visits Wilbur in Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he examines boxes of tapes and data that reinforce the farmer's suspicions regarding DuPont's waste disposal practices.

Parkersburg, West Virginia

Robert Approaches His Boss

Convinced of the urgency of the situation, Robert discusses the case with his boss, Tom Terp. Reluctantly, Tom agrees to allow Robert to take on the case as a minor project, setting the stage for a significant legal battle against DuPont.

Confronting DuPont's Legal Team

During a legal gathering, Robert confronts Phil Donnelly, DuPont's legal representative. Phil dismissively downplays the issue, which only fuels Robert's determination to uncover the truth behind the chemical disposal at the plant.

Filing the Lawsuit

Undeterred by the challenges ahead, Robert files a lawsuit against DuPont. This action is a crucial step that allows him to initiate legal discovery and access the company's internal documents in search of evidence regarding their toxic practices.

Discovery of PFOA

As Robert meticulously reviews DuPont's extensive documentation, he uncovers the presence of PFOA, a chemical utilized in Teflon production. His findings reveal alarming health risks associated with PFOA, showcasing DuPont's negligence in disclosing this information.

Family Strain

Robert's obsession with the case begins to strain his personal life, particularly with his pregnant wife, Sarah. Their discussions highlight the emotional toll the situation has taken, especially as Robert learns more about the hazards of PFOA that DuPont has concealed for decades.

The Growing Community Impact

As the legal battle intensifies, Robert witnesses the personal consequences of his fight, including Wilbur's social ostracism within their community. This realization strengthens his resolve to pursue justice, leading to a class-action lawsuit backed by local residents affected by DuPont's actions.

Facing Resistance

Robert encounters significant resistance not only from DuPont but also from his own law firm, which is wary of the powerful corporation's influence. Despite this pressure, Robert remains steadfast in his pursuit of accountability, rallying community support.

Community Support Grows

As the case garners national attention, Robert’s efforts inspire a burgeoning community movement. Local residents, including Darlene Kiger, begin sharing their harrowing experiences related to the DuPont plant, fortifying the class-action lawsuit against the corporation.

Legal and Emotional Toll

The prolonged court battle brings emotional distress and financial burdens to Robert and his family. He faces the psychological weight of his decisions, all while knowing he is fighting for justice that resonates deeply within his community.

Payload of the Evidence

After years of arduous legal work, a scientific panel concludes that PFOA is indeed responsible for numerous serious health issues. This pivotal finding paves the way for Robert to negotiate settlements with DuPont, solidifying his commitment to justice.

Securing Settlements

Robert successfully secures significant financial settlements from DuPont as a result of the discovered evidence and ongoing pressure from the community. This victory underscores the long fight against corporate negligence and the dangers of unregulated chemicals.

A Broader Crisis Unveiled

Beyond holding DuPont accountable, Robert's actions illuminate a more extensive issue regarding the regulation of chemicals in the industry. His journey exposes the systemic failures of corporate responsibility and the impact on public health.

A Triumph Against Corporations

In the end, Robert Bilott emerges not just as a lawyer but as a symbol of resilience against powerful entities. He showcases how one individual’s fight can bring about substantial change and provoke necessary conversations about environmental and corporate accountability.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Dark Waters (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.

Rob Bilott

Rob Bilott is a relentless corporate defense attorney turned environmental advocate. He demonstrates unwavering determination as he takes on one of the nation's largest corporations. His character experiences significant personal and professional challenges along the way, all while striving to uncover the truth and fight for justice.

⚖️ Lawyer 💪 Determination

Sarah Barlage Bilott

Sarah Barlage Bilott is Rob's pregnant wife, who becomes increasingly worried about his intense focus on the DuPont case. Her character is pivotal, showing the emotional strain that such a fight can place on a family. Despite her fears, she stands by Rob, emphasizing the support and challenges faced by families in times of crisis.

👩‍👧‍👦 Family 🙁 Concern

Wilbur Tennant

Wilbur Tennant is a distressed farmer whose devastating loss of livestock propels Rob into the legal battle against DuPont. He embodies the community's struggle against corporate wrongdoing and the personal toll it takes on those affected. Wilbur's character serves as a catalyst for the mission to seek accountability and justice.

👨‍🌾 Farmer 😢 Loss

Tom Terp

Tom Terp is Rob's boss who initially expresses skepticism about taking on the case against DuPont. He represents the corporate world's reluctance to engage with potential conflicts arising from powerful clients. Over time, his character reveals the complexities of navigating the corporate legal landscape.

👔 Corporate ⚠️ Skepticism

Phil Donnelly

Phil Donnelly is DuPont's legal representative who downplays the claims made against the company. He embodies the corporate defense strategies that prioritize profit over public safety and illustrates the challenges faced by the plaintiffs in holding large corporations accountable.

📉 Corporate 🙄 Dismissive

Darlene Kiger

Darlene Kiger is a local resident who joins the fight against DuPont, sharing her own harrowing experiences tied to the chemical pollution. Her character emphasizes community solidarity and the emotional scars left by environmental disasters, highlighting the broader implications of the case.

👩‍🌾 Community 💔 Struggle

Setting

Uncover the settings of Dark Waters (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.

Time period

1998

The movie takes place in 1998, a time when industrial regulations were less stringent and corporate accountability was often overlooked. It reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and the emergence of legal battles against large corporations concerning public health and safety.

Location

Parkersburg, West Virginia

Parkersburg is a city known for its industrial heritage and close proximity to the Ohio River. It has historically been a hub for manufacturing and is troubled by environmental issues due to nearby industrial activities. The case presented in 'Dark Waters' underscores the local impact of corporate negligence in such industries.

🏞️ Nature 🏭 Industry

Themes

Explore the core themes of Dark Waters (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.

⚖️

Justice

The theme of justice permeates the film as Robert Bilott fights for accountability against a powerful corporation. His journey emphasizes the importance of standing up for truth and the community's right to a safe environment. The struggles faced highlight the broader fight against corporate greed.

🌍

Environmental Integrity

Environmental integrity is a critical theme in 'Dark Waters', illustrating the adverse effects of industrial pollution on communities. The film raises awareness about hazardous chemicals, particularly PFOA, and the long-term impact of environmental negligence on public health.

👨‍👩‍👦

Family Struggles

The personal sacrifices made by Robert Bilott highlight the impact of his legal battles on his family. As his wife Sarah expresses concern about their safety and Robert's obsession, the film examines the intersection of personal life and professional duty, showcasing the emotional toll of fighting for justice.