Side Effects (2005 film)

Side Effects (2005 film) poster

Side Effects is a 2005 independent film directed by Katherine Brooks and starring Sandra Oh, Daisuke Suzuki, and Jonah Blechman. The film explores the pharmaceutical industry and its impact on people's lives through the story of Karly Hert (played by Sandra Oh), who works for a pharmaceutical company. As she learns more about the industry and the effects of the drugs her company promotes, Karly begins to question her role and the ethical implications of her work.

Plot

Karly Hert has been working in the pharmaceutical industry for a number of years, promoting various drugs for a company called PhaCor. Her job involves convincing doctors to prescribe these drugs, regardless of whether they are the best option for patients. As Karly becomes more successful, she starts to see the darker side of the pharmaceutical industry, including the manipulation of clinical trials, the suppression of negative study results, and the promotion of drugs for off-label uses. Her moral dilemma intensifies when she meets a patient who has been adversely affected by one of her company's drugs. This encounter forces Karly to make a difficult decision about her future in the industry.

Cast

• Sandra Oh as Karly Hert
• Daisuke Suzuki as Zach
• Jonah Blechman as Jake
• John Doe as Mick
• Katherine Brooks also makes a cameo appearance in the film.

Production

Side Effects was directed and written by Katherine Brooks, who was inspired to create the film after learning about the practices within the pharmaceutical industry. The film was produced on a low budget and shot in a documentary style to give it a sense of realism. Despite its limited resources, Side Effects was able to attract a talented cast, including Sandra Oh, who was drawn to the project by its critical perspective on the pharmaceutical industry.

Reception

Upon its release, Side Effects received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its bold critique of the pharmaceutical industry and Sandra Oh's performance. Others criticized it for its didactic tone and the simplicity with which it portrayed complex industry issues. However, the film found a receptive audience among those interested in the ethical questions surrounding the pharmaceutical industry and has been used in educational settings to spark discussion on the topic.

Themes

The film delves into several themes, including the ethics of the pharmaceutical industry, the influence of corporate interests on medicine, and the personal moral conflicts that arise when working in such an environment. It also touches on the broader implications of these practices for patient care and public health.

See Also

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Ethics in pharmaceutical sales
• Clinical trial