Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo stars in Dark Waters, a gripping legal drama airing on the BBC this week. Directed by Todd Haynes and released in 2019, the film is based on the true story of lawyer Robert Bilott, whose investigation into a major corporation uncovers a shocking cover-up with life-changing consequences.
The screenplay, written by Mario Correa and Matthew Michael Carnahan, draws inspiration from Nathaniel Rich’s 2016 New York Times Magazine article, The Lawyer Who Became DuPont's Worst Nightmare. Alongside Ruffalo, the cast includes Anne Hathaway and Victor Garber, delivering powerful performances that have captivated audiences.
The plot follows corporate environmental defence attorney Rob Bilott, who has just made partner at his Cincinnati law firm, largely due to his work defending Big Chem companies. His life takes a turn when he is contacted by two West Virginia farmers who believe the local DuPont plant is dumping toxic waste, destroying their land and killing their cattle. With help from his supervising partner, Tom Terp, Bilott files a complaint that sparks a 15-year legal battle, testing his marriage, reputation, health, and livelihood.
Upon its release, the film received praise from viewers, with one calling it “spectacular” and another noting, “Excellent story. Very well acted. Mark Ruffalo deserves an Oscar.” Speaking on The View in 2019, Ruffalo described the real events as “probably one of the greatest cover-ups in American history,” affecting everyone worldwide.
