The Ultimate Face-off: Netflix's Painkiller vs Dopesick's Stellar 89% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Explore the critical reception of Netflix's Painkiller and Dopesick, two shows delving into the opioid crisis Uncover the reasons behind the contrasting opinions of critics
The article contains some discussion about substance abuse, particularly the opioid crisis.
Summary
Painkiller was poorly received, earning a 44 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, whereas Dopesick fared much better with an 89 percent score. The key distinction between the two shows lies in their execution, as Dopesick effectively tackles the sensitive subject matter through nuanced performances and relatable characters.
Critics have raised concerns about Painkiller regarding its inconsistent tone, underwhelming performances by the cast, and lack of believable character growth, which hinders its ability to truly explore the profound impact of the opioid crisis.
The Rotten Tomatoes rating has been revealed for Painkiller, Netflix's portrayal of the opioid crisis, and viewers may be interested to compare it with Hulu's Dopesick. Given that both shows are limited series produced by streaming platforms that address the origins of the opioid crisis, it is not surprising that comparisons will be made. Dopesick debuted two years before Painkiller and received mostly positive feedback, earning an impressive 14 nominations at the 2022 Emmys. On the other hand, Painkiller premiered on Netflix on August 10th, and critics and viewers are now starting to form their opinions on the six-episode series.
Why Are Critics More Divided On Painkiller Than Dopesick?
Painkiller has currently garnered a rating of 44 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with the possibility of more reviews yet to come. While Rotten Tomatoes isn't the definitive authority on a show's quality, this rating suggests a mixed-to-negative reception for Painkiller. Moreover, it pales in comparison to Dopesick, which received an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 89 percent, based on 70 critic reviews.
Dopesick has garnered praise from critics, leading to comparisons with Painkiller. Both narratives revolve around the epicenter of the opioid crisis in the United States and focus on Purdue Pharma, the company behind the controversial drug OxyContin. While both dramas incorporate fictional characters and the real-life Sackler family, the heartwrenching tragedies portrayed in both stories highlight the devastating consequences of greed and corruption during this opioid epidemic.
Despite their similarities, the key difference between Painkiller and Dopesick lies in their execution. Both works address heavy and sensitive subject matter, requiring careful and thoughtful storytelling. Dopesick successfully accomplishes this, thanks in large part to its exceptional cast. The Hulu series showcases an ensemble of talented actors including Michael Keaton, Kaitlyn Dever, Peter Sarsgaard, and Will Poulter, whose performances evoke the human aspects of the story, constructing relatable and empathetic characters that endure throughout the dark and challenging narrative.
Critics have pointed out several flaws in Painkiller, notably its tone, cast performances, and character development. While the series tackles a tragic and somber tale, it fails to engage viewers with nuanced performances. Instead, it attempts to sensationalize the tragedy through action sequences and sparks of dark comedy. These embellishments, combined with shallow, unrealistic, and unrelatable characters, hinder the series' ability to delve deeply into the raw heart of the opioid crisis and its profound impact. Evidently, the Rotten Tomatoes score for Painkiller reflects its failure to provide a truly profound and serious exploration of this pressing issue.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes
