What an incisive and searing investigative work on the opioid crisis at the heart of the United States, which is responsible for almost half a million drug overdose deaths since the year 2000. Of course, behind this alarming toll are big pharma companies — the empires of pain — that deny that opioid addiction exists, instead inventing the so-called pseudoaddiction to evade the law or any sense of accountability and manufacture more fatal substances, all for the sake of none other than profit. Although told in a very American way, this two-part documentary manages to offer a chilling critique of the nation's healthcare inferno, perverted justice system, and so many other vile things under the grand banner of American capitalism. No matter how many times you've seen this breed of dystopia before, it will still shock you that these diabolical beings do exist in the flesh. It's gross and sickening.  Journalism is a thankless job, they say. Despite this, there are still those who continue to persevere — and this film demonstrates why we need relentless and dedicated journalists now more than ever.