Oscar-winning film Erin Brockovich will be available for streaming on Netflix this month, bringing the acclaimed legal drama back to audiences. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and released in 2000, the film depicts the true story of Erin Brockovich, portrayed by Julia Roberts, who took on the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) over its role in a significant groundwater contamination case in Hinkley, California.
From 1952 to 1966, PG&E discharged approximately 370 million US gallons of chromium-laden wastewater into unlined ponds near Hinkley. This led to serious health issues for the local population. In 1993, Brockovich, a legal clerk, began investigating the health impacts, which culminated in a class-action lawsuit. The case was settled in 1996 for $333 million, marking the largest settlement of its kind in U.S. history at that time.
Impact of the Case and the Film’s Reception
The legal battle didn’t end there. In 2006, PG&E agreed to pay an additional $295 million to settle claims from another 1,100 individuals statewide related to hexavalent chromium. By 2008, the company settled the last of the Hinkley claims for $20 million. Over the years, the town’s population has notably declined, leading to a description of Hinkley as a “ghost town” by The New York Times in 2016.
The film received critical acclaim, earning five nominations at the 73rd Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Roberts became the first actress to win an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Critics’ Choice Movie Award, Golden Globe Award, National Board of Review Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for a single performance. It also won the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Director and the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Erin Brockovich holds an approval rating of 85% based on 152 reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10. The critics’ consensus highlights Roberts’s talent and the film’s ability to deliver a compelling narrative despite some character and plot challenges. Meanwhile, Metacritic gives the film a weighted score of 73, indicating generally favorable reviews.
Audience reception has also been strong, as polls by CinemaScore show an average grade of “A” on an A+ to F scale. Critics praised Roberts’s performance, with Andrew Sarris of The New York Observer noting the film’s blend of independent and mainstream cinema. David Ansen from Newsweek described Roberts as “flat-out terrific,” while Peter Travers from Rolling Stone highlighted the emotional depth she brought to the role.
What to Expect on Netflix
As Erin Brockovich makes its debut on Netflix, viewers can expect to engage with a powerful story that not only entertains but also sheds light on significant environmental and legal issues. The film’s legacy continues to resonate, reminding audiences of the impact one individual can have against a multi-billion-dollar corporation. With its compelling narrative and strong performances, this film remains a vital part of cinematic history.
