Warning: this article mentions the death of a child which some readers may find distressing.
Watching Netflix’s Toxic Town is equal parts engaging, gripping, and utterly heartbreaking.
Whilst at many times endearing and sweet, the show is at times underlaid with an extreme sense of grief and sadness.
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The series is based on a true life story in which three mothers in Corby looked to hold power to account after their babies were born with deformities.
Corby was previously a steel town, and when the factories were abandoned, a huge regeneration project was undertaken.
The toxic waste being dumped as a result of this is what led to the increased rates of deformities amongst children in the town.
The series has an all-star British cast with Jodie Whittaker, Aimee Lou Wood, Claudia Jessie, Robert Carlyle, Joe Dempsie and Rory Kinnear.
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Sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, many of the characters play real-life people.
Aimee Lou Wood, one of the breakout stars of Sex Education, is one of these people – she plays Tracey Taylor, one of the three mothers who made sure that power was held to account in Corby.
In a recent post by Netflix on Twitter, a video was shown of Aimee Lou meeting the real Tracey Taylor.
Spoilers for Toxic Town.
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The actor, meeting Tracey, is offered to be shown a picture of Shelby, Tracey’s daughter.
Shelby died at just four-days-old.
She was born with a two chamber heart as opposed to four, which is believed to have occurred due to the toxic waste in the area.
Aimee Lou is understandably brought to tears by Tracey showing her this photo, which is made even more emotional when she is told: “What you have done for her… I’m in debt to you because you have done her justice and you’ve done us justice and we will be forever grateful. So thank you so much.”
One reply on Instagram said: “I’m crying watching this like the show isn’t making me emotional enough already.”
Another said: “Theres so many shows where the family is left upset from the portrayal of the situation this just makes me happy.”
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On Instagram one viewer commented on a longer video of Tracey telling Shelby’s story, saying : “Devastating. I commend their strength for campaigning against the perpetrators after so much loss and grief.”
Another commented: “Watched this and what incredible portrayals from all of you, such powerful stories and you all gave them the respect they deserve.”
The show has received widespread praise, with many considering it Netflix’s best show of the year.
One review by Nandini Balial for RogerEbert.com said: “Toxic Town makes for a harrowing watch, and the fact that the mothers won £14.6 million in compensation after almost ten years of anxiety, rage, and sorrow is reason enough to watch.”
Michael Slavin