BBC’s ‘spectacular’ legal drama is the perfect weeknight must-watch

Dark Waters first premiered in 2019 and follows the true story of defense attorney Robert Bilott who risked his life to expose a corporate cover-up

ooking for a gripping legal drama to tide you over in the heatwave this week? The BBC is airing Dark Waters, starring Mark Ruffalo, and it’s the perfect weeknight must-watch if you want to be glued to your seat.

Directed by Todd Haynes (Carol, May December), the American legal thriller first landed in 2019 and follows the shocking true story of environmental defense attorney Robert Bilott, who uncovers a horrific corporate conspiracy that he risks his life to expose.

Anne Hathaway and Mark Ruffalo in Dark Waters© Alamy Stock Photo
Anne Hathaway and Mark Ruffalo in Dark Waters

Written by Mario Correa (Electoral Dysfunction) and Matthew Michael Carnahan (World War Z), the movie is based on the 2016 New York Times Magazine article The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare by Nathaniel Rich.

You know you’re in for a treat when Mark Ruffalo (Avengers) is at the helm of a project, so when you add in a supporting cast that includes Anne Hathaway (The Devil Wears Prada) and Victor Garber (Titanic), you know you’re in for a treat. Plus, if you love true crime or whistleblower storylines like those in Spotlight, The Post and Dirty Business, Dark Waters will be right up your street.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Dark Waters, which airs on BBC on Wednesday night.

What have viewers said about Dark Waters?

The movie proved a hit with critics and viewers alike, earning an 89 per cent critics’ score and a 95 per cent audience rating.

In one review, one viewer said: “Exceptional story about David against Goliath,” while another said: “Excellent story. Very well acted. Mark Ruffalo deserves an Oscar”, and a third simply praised: “Spectacular film.”

The film lands on the BBC this week© Alamy Stock Photo
The film lands on the BBC this week

Meanwhile, in its four-star review, The Telegraph wrote: “True to its title, this is a murky pool of a movie, and Mark Ruffalo is the man on the bank, poking its surface with a stick.”

The Guardian added: “Dark Waters is a movie that works marvellously well within its own generic terms, and… this tough, clear movie was what Haynes needed to clear his creative palate.”

What is Dark Waters about?

The story follows the true story of a tenacious attorney who uncovers a dark secret that connects a growing number of unexplained deaths to one of the world’s largest corporations.

The synopsis reads: “Corporate environmental defense attorney Rob Bilott has just made partner at his prestigious Cincinnati law firm, in large part due to his work defending Big Chem companies.

The real Robert Bilott with Mark Ruffalo © Getty Images
The real Robert Bilott with Mark Ruffalo

“He finds himself conflicted after he’s contacted by two West Virginia farmers who believe that the local DuPont plant is dumping toxic waste in the area landfill that is destroying their fields and killing their cattle.

“Hoping to learn the truth about just what is happening, Bilott, with help from his supervising partner in the firm, Tom Terp, files a complaint that marks the beginning of an epic 15-year fight – one that will not only test his relationship with his wife, Sarah but also his reputation, his health and his livelihood.”

Who stars in Dark Waters?

The film is led by Mark Ruffalo as Robert Bilott, while Anne Hathaway plays his wife, Sarah.

William Jackson Harper plays James Ross© Alamy Stock Photo
William Jackson Harper plays James Ross

They’re joined by Tim Robbins as Tom Terp, Bill Camp as Wilbur Tennant, Victor Garber as Phil Donnelly, Mare Winningham as Darlene Kiger, William Jackson Harper as James Ross and Bill Pullman as Harry Dietzler.

Dark Waters airs on BBC Two at 11.30 pm and will be available to stream on iPlayer afterwards.