‘Hazard’ Review: The Opioid Crisis in Raw Detail

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As I sat down in the theater to watch “Hazard“, I braced myself for a stark portrayal of the opioid crisis tearing through rural America. Director Eddie Mensore doesn’t shy away from the brutal reality, showing how an insidious epidemic can consume not just one individual, but an entire family.

From the perspective of a drug user, we witness their desperate struggle for their next fix, no matter the cost. On the other side, we follow a police officer struggling to contain the crisis, and profiteers who fuel the chaos without a moment’s concern for the destruction they leave behind.

“Hazard” can be heavy-handed at times, and it may not offer many narrative surprises. Yet, it presents harsh truths that unfortunately cannot be ignored. It’s a powerful film that brings to light the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on our communities, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of its viewers.

In the town of Hazard, Kentucky, the breathtaking Appalachian mountains stand in stark contrast to weary coal miners, their clothing smeared with grime, returning from a grueling workday. The protagonist, Will (Alex Roe), experiences fits of coughing and discomfort as a shady doctor hands him another prescription for OxyContin. He takes the drug before driving aimlessly past rundown houses and closed businesses. The region is gripped by poverty, while bluegrass tunes fill the air from his battered old pickup truck.

A Family Portrait Shattered by Drugs

In a trailer home where he used to feel at ease, Will makes an appearance. Though Sara (Sosie Bacon) sees that he’s under the influence of drugs, she lets him accompany her to work and take their son Morgan to school. She listens attentively as he pledges to improve their lives. Being a fellow recovering addict, Sara finds herself drawn to Will, despite all they’ve endured together in the past. Sara doubts that another visit to the house would be wise.

Instead of visiting another trailer and finding no one home, he goes to a park where local drug users interact with dealers. There, Carl (Steven Ogg), who is disabled and wheelchair-bound, is slumped over unconscious in his van. Struggling against his weakened father, Will pleads for help in getting him back on track.

In a stark and unsettling manner, Hazard depicts intravenous drug use, devoid of any glamorous allure associated with it. Carl’s body, worn down from his long years in the mine, has become a victim of what started as pain relief but escalated into full-blown addiction. Injecting Carl to alleviate his father’s suffering is a scene that combines tragedy and heartbreak. The bond between them, clouded by drug abuse, underscores a larger issue. The destructive cycle of addiction is deeply entrenched in the town, affecting people regardless of their generation.

Cogs in a Wheel of Destruction


In the series “Hazard”, Dave Davis portrays Officer John Lang, who is both Sara’s older brother and a former classmate of Will. As he watches in shock, his cherished sister and the town they live in are brutally torn apart. The show highlights the disappointing lack of resources available to law enforcement when dealing with a relentless force such as this. Although John seeks help, there’s little the government can provide. Cities with greater wealth face similar challenges but more intensely. In a small county, mounting bodies are merely an insignificant footnote. The frustrating lack of response fuels John to take decisive action himself, once more underscoring the vastness and unending nature of a war that seems destined for casualties.

Directly implicates pharmaceutical companies and unethical physicians for doling out fake prescriptions, rather than cartel drug dealers shooting up the streets. Instead, opioids are being distributed freely, even during daylight hours. Will needs only to pull up near the pharmacy to locate his next dose.

Prescription drugs can be useful in areas where money is tight, as those who sell them often do so out of necessity, to feed themselves and their families. However, it’s important to note that they may also become addicted. These individuals aren’t evil or deserving of condemnation; rather, they are part of a system that is causing destruction. Filmmaker Mensore, who is known for his documentaries such as “The American Buffalo” and feature films like “Mine 9“, is careful in assigning blame. Will, Sara, and his father are merely victims of their circumstances, trying to survive in a place with limited options.

Tragedy in Appalachia

Hazard strikes a somber, compassionate tone with tender insights into everyday life in Appalachia. Sara strives to be a good mother. She’s already been through the fires of adversity with Will, and she’s well aware of the perils of relapsing. However, addiction is an illness that can never truly be vanquished. Even your best efforts might not be enough against the terrible intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Addicts live in constant danger of slipping back into their old habits. They pay a heavy price every time they falter. The threat of losing sobriety and all the hard-earned progress that comes with it is very real.

In the third act, it’s not hard to guess what Will chooses, given the circumstances. However, Mensore isn’t trying to create sensational or shocking moments for drama. Instead, his storyline remains deeply rooted in authenticity. The characters portrayed in Hazard are addicts struggling with the agonizing decision to break free from drug addiction. He wants viewers to understand that these individuals need assistance, not punishment. It’s a tough reality to face, but an essential one.

The film titled “Hazard” is a joint production by Emphatic Films, Beside Productions, and Slated. Initially, it will be screened in a limited number of cinemas across Appalachia on January 10th. On the 17th, it will expand its reach, followed by premieres in New York and Los Angeles on the 31st. Further releases in other markets are scheduled for February 7th through Concourse Media. For theater locations and ticket purchases, please visit this link.

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2025-01-11 07:33