A Deep Dive Into Healthcare’s Dark Side

Read Time:3 Minute, 33 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Pay or Die
–

Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 15m
Director(s): Scott Alexander Ruderman, Rachael Dyer
Where To Watch: Opens Theatrically November 1, 2023, in NYC to Kick-Off National Diabetes Month. Los Angeles and Other Cities Will Open on November 10, Streaming on Paramount + On November 14, for World Diabetes Day

RAVING REVIEW: PAY OR DIE takes us on a captivating journey deep into the maze of the American healthcare quagmire. With a blend of heartfelt stories and raw facts, directors Rachael Dyer and Scott Alexander Ruderman reveal the gritty reality many face while trying to survive and their needs for essential medications.

PAY OR DIE plunges us into a world where life-altering decisions revolve around insulin costs, quite literally. The tragic realization that mega pharmaceutical firms might just put a price on life is hauntingly tangible in this narrative. The storyline deeply resonated with me, having witnessed diabetes' grasp on my friends and family. The film's emphasis is on type 1 diabetes. Though the reality is that this isn’t the illness that this industry has put a dollar amount on, the message is loud and clear!

Dive into the real-life tales of this documentary as our cinematic journey introduces us to three families, each facing their healthcare crisis in different ways. The poignant tale of a young life gone too soon due to financial burdens, the adventures of a duo crossing borders in pursuit of reasonable insulin prices, and the overwhelming challenge faced by a newly diagnosed individual amid a global health crisis. These stories aren't just segments in a documentary; they're living, breathing realities.

Why does the U.S. dollar seem to shrink when purchasing this age-old drug? The unsettling revelation that Americans pay more than ten times the global average for insulin demands our attention. So, who is to blame? The documentary zooms in on the pharmaceutical titans and their stronghold on the insulin market. A combination of market dominance and the intricacies of producing insulin has kept competitors at bay.

Yet, glimmers of hope shine through the movie's landscape of despair. By acknowledging successful initiatives, such as the commendable pricing decisions by giants like Eli Lilly, the directors emphasize that collective activism can indeed tilt the scales of justice. There is also the reality of President Biden’s resolution to cap these costs and make this necessity readily available to those who need it.

PAY OR DIE offers more than just a gripping narrative it’s a revelation, a chilling thriller rooted in truth. It's hard not to mull over the glaring question: In a land of plenty, why are healthcare disparities so stark?

As it draws to a close, PAY OR DIE is a beacon of hope. The film is an ode to the unwavering spirits – from local activists to affected communities – uniting for a common cause. As the credits roll, it leaves us thinking. Change is hopefully coming, as mentioned above, with moves towards making this story irrelevant, but it still has an uphill battle, and there are still plenty of others out there that the industry must make a change to!

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of PARAMOUNT+, MTV DOCUMENTARY FILMS]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

#SAGAFTRA #SAGAFTRAStrong