Dark Waters

Bad things tend to happen when you live next door to a landfill owned by a biochemical conglomerate. That bit of common sense turns Dark Waters into a harrowing big-screen chemistry lesson.

This straightforward yet consistently compelling true-life eco-thriller is an evocative look at corporate greed and government enablers that sufficiently gets the blood boiling.

The story begins in 1998, when a West Virginia farmer named Wilbur (Bill Camp) storms into a Cincinnati law firm to see environmental lawyer Rob Bilott (Mark Ruffalo). It turns out the man is neighbors with Rob’s grandmother, and wants help because he suspects his cows are being poisoned by toxic waste.

Rob is reluctant to take the case for professional reasons before a visit to his hometown changes his mind. It turns out Wilbur lives next door to a DuPont chemical plant that’s been dumping unknown substances in an adjacent river for years, with regulatory agencies looking the other way, spawning a full-blown health crisis.

Rob’s boss (Tim Robbins) agrees to indulge him, as does his wife (Anne Hathaway) back home. Even so, the deck is stacked against Rob and Wilbur, both in terms of money and clout. And even after the case is underway, and other victims join the fight, it’s unclear whether Wilbur’s own deteriorating health will hold out long enough to withstand DuPont’s endless legal bullying and stall tactics.

The film lacks the usual offbeat touches and edgy sensibilities of director Todd Haynes (Carol), but still is assembled with style and conviction as an impassioned underdog saga of the little guy fighting for justice against the odds.

The screenplay chronicles a culture of fear and retaliation in small-town politics, when it comes to challenging the company that donates to local clubs and employs so many of your neighbors. Of course, it embellishes some details for crowd-pleasing effect. Yet it also captures a justifiable sense of middle-class distrust and outrage.

Ruffalo’s committed performance provides an emotional anchor — after all, an authentic portrayal of a sympathetic and compassionate lawyer takes some talent — while overcoming the limitations of a naturally introverted character. The supporting ensemble is filled with capable performers.

Even if you can guess how it all turns out, Dark Waters remains a taut and provocative example of cinematic activism. And it might make you think twice the next time you fry eggs in a Teflon pan.

Rated PG-13, 126 minutes.