Just because there are no links between autism and vaccines, despite what some idiots wish the public would believe, that does not mean pharmaceutical companies aren’t trying to screw over the American public. Screenwriter Terry Rossio and writer-director Andrew Wakefield expose one such case in their based-on-true-events drama Protocol 7. Does the story work no matter one’s position on vaccines, government mandates, and the like?
Lawyer Alexis (Rachel G. Whittle), Lexi to her friends, is in a bind. She wants to trust sound science and vaccines, but her adopted child is showing several adverse reactions to the mumps vaccine created by Merck. She gets in contact with Dr. Jay (Matthew Marsden) about the troubling news. This coincides with virologist Steve (Josh Murray) unearthing things about how Merck tested the mumps vaccine and deciding to become a whistleblower. Of course, companies put the all-mighty dollar in front of everything, including the public’s health, so this getting out would be devastating. So Dr. Errani (Eric Roberts), a bigwig at Merck, puts all he can into stopping and silencing Steve, destroying evidence, and discrediting Lexi and Dr. Jay. Will the truth ever fully come to light?
Protocol 7 does an excellent job of balancing nutjob conspiracies with the actual issues when a medical company is for profit. The arc and stance of the whistleblower, Steve, beg the Snowden question: Was this the case of someone doing the moral thing, or was he just looking for any excuse to expose Merck for anything? Happily, he plays a comparatively minor role, and what he finds out is disgusting. Anyone at Merck who is involved should feel deep shame and regret.
“… a bigwig at Merck, puts all he can into stopping and silencing Steve, destroying evidence, and discrediting Lexi and Dr. Jay.”
That isn’t to imply Murray does a lousy job in the role. He’s pretty good, in fact, especially during an intense exchange over things from the lab that are set to be destroyed. Roberts is slimy and sleazy in all the right ways. Whittle is fantastic as the put-upon, conflicted new mother whose home life is crumbling. Marsden is likable and empathetic, even when he’s being downright goofy.
A number of scenes throughout Protocol 7 are genuinely gripping. The various depositions are fraught with tension. A scene with Lexi at a school meeting about vaccines and legal exceptions is a fascinating look at how accurate information and disinformation change what should be simple civil discourse.
The editing throughout gives the film a heist vibe. This accentuates the danger Merck represents to the leads while also allowing the quieter scenes to stand out more. Admittedly, a scene with Steve at the end is too over-the-top to work as intended, as it is neither dramatic nor intense, so it just feels goofy. Still, most of the story is gripping and populated with authentic characters who are in over their head.
Protocol 7 is a compelling dramatic thriller that aims to expose the dark side of pharmaceutical companies. The cast is excellent, and most of the twists and turns are believable. While it might not reach Erin Brockovich heights, this is still a solid and entertaining story ripped straight from the headlines.
"…genuinely gripping."
