Watch There's Something in the Water

There's Something in the Water is a documentary film from 2019 that explores the impact of environmental racism and neglect on the lives and communities of Nova Scotia, Canada. The film is directed by Elliot Page and Ian Daniel and has a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. The documentary is based on the book of the same name by Ingrid Waldron and features her as a key interviewee. It also includes the voices of other activists, community members, and experts, such as Louise Delisle, a Mi’kmaq fisherwoman and leader in her community.

The film paints a powerful and devastating portrait of how environmental injustice has affected multiple communities in Nova Scotia. One of the most striking features of the documentary is its focus on the intersectionality of environmental and social issues. The film offers a nuanced understanding of how race, class, gender, and other intersecting factors can intensify the harm caused by environmental pollution and degradation.

The documentary covers a wide range of issues, such as the impact of toxic waste dumping on Africville, a predominantly Black settlement that was forcibly relocated and destroyed in the 1960s. The film also explores the long-term health effects of industrial pollution on Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities, including high rates of cancer, respiratory issues, and other illnesses.

One of the most chilling segments of the documentary involves the story of Pictou Landing First Nation, a Mi’kmaq community that has been fighting for more than 50 years to clean up Boat Harbour, a polluted waterway that was once a pristine estuary. The film documents the devastating impact that the pollution has had on the community's health, economy, and culture. It also shows how Pictou Landing's successful fight to close the Boat Harbour facility in 2014 has sparked a wider movement for environmental justice in Nova Scotia.

Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers use a mix of interviews, personal stories, archival footage, and stunning visuals to create a powerful narrative that confronts the viewer with the urgency and severity of environmental issues in Nova Scotia. Elliot Page's narration is insightful and compassionate, adding depth and emotion to the stories of the people affected by environmental racism.

The documentary also highlights the work of activists and community leaders who are fighting for justice and change. It shows how activists like Ingrid Waldron, Louise Delisle, and Dorene Bernard are bringing attention to environmental racism and mobilizing their communities to demand action from the government and industry. The film's focus on grassroots activism and community empowerment provides a hopeful message despite the overwhelming challenges faced by the people of Nova Scotia.

Overall, There's Something in the Water is a powerful and necessary documentary that sheds light on a critical issue that is often overlooked in discussions about environmental degradation. It is an urgent call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and citizens to acknowledge and address the devastating impact of environmental racism on marginalized communities. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in environmental justice, social justice, and the intersectionality of these issues.

There's Something in the Water is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 62.