User reviews

Superb drama based on the true story of a group of women in Corby, UK who find that their babies are being born with limb deformities. Two women played by Jodie Whittaker and Aimee Lee Wood first notice that their babies, born at the same time, have defects. Suspecting that the demolition of the local disused steel works could be a cause they post their experience on line to find out if this is a major problem. Many more cases come forward. They employ a solicitor, Rory Kinnear, to represent them on a no win no fee basis.

Unsurprisingly, the council who are funding the demolition use all in their power to discredit the women. Brendon Coyle plays the council leader who has appointed the contractors on the cheap with corners being cut and H & S regulations being ignored. The quiet, methodical and dogged Rory Kinnear fights them all the way.

A very moving drama with great acting by all the cast.

Loved this. Love women.

I can't believe I hadn't heard of this case. I just saw the photo of Sarah, Tracey and Maggie alongside the actors who played them-beautiful. It's evident that the whole project was approached with a lot of care from everyone involved, all while keeping it engaging and entertaining. A wonderful piece of work with a clear message and beautiful portrayal of community. The final episode was very powerful, and there were even a few funny moments that seemed organic and not out of place-quite rare for these types of shows in my opinion.

Amazing performances from the cast, especially Jodie Whittaker, Aimee Lou Wood (I loved Tracey), Robert Carlyle.... But honestly, everyone was so good.

I had a slight issue with the huge time jumps between each episode but I understand it's based on a true story so not much could be done about that. It's more so a compliment than a criticism-I wanted to know more about the characters! But I do appreciate that it wasn't dragged out-four episodes is perfect.

Also loved the title design (with the letters turning to dust)!

Well done docudrama told in 4 crisp episodes. Corby, a town like many others, is affected by corporations in collusion with local councils destroying their town and lives with their toxic poisons. And rarely brought to account by most.

When the women of the town band together after they realize their babies, conceived around the same time, have similar birth defects they wake up to the possibility that some substance has affected their fetuses. And they hire a lawyer to get justice.

Jodie Whittaker gives a brilliant as the main activist along with a great supporting cast including Brendan Coyle as the corrupt councillor. Aimee Lou Wood is heartbreaking as the bereft mother. And Roy Kinnear is stellar as the compassionate solicitor.

Just the right length at 4 tight episodes.

9/10 Netflix.

An important story which resonates around the world where big companies have destroyed countless lives with their poisons. Toxic Town tells the true account of how a small community saw birth defects as a result of a company making a profit by cutting corners on health and safety measures. The acting was superb from the entire cast but a special mention to Aimee Lou Wood who gave a very touching performance about the loss of her baby. I wasn't familiar with this case, so the story kept me on a hook, not knowing how it would end. Four episodes are just the right number - it never became sentimental or repititive which happens a lot on Netflix who seem to love dragging stories out. More dramas about real life and less about spies and violence please.

Amazing series. Intresting and emotional story. Very likable main characters. The acting in this is incredible but especially from Jodie Whittaker and Aimee Lou Wood. Very interesting and important story I've lived in Corby since birth and the acting and settings felt like they were relatively realistic of what you would expect from ordinary Corby folks. I did notice modern shots of Corby town centre when it looked completely different to that in the 90s and early 2000s, and it did feel like there was something unnatural about how some of the streets were set out. Overall didn't impact my enjoyment of the show or the story, but just slightly off perfec.

STAR RATING: ***** Brilliant **** Very Good *** Okay ** Poor * Awful

Corby was a former steel making town, but by the early 1990's it was a shadow of its former self. Susan McIntyre (Jodie Whittaker), a local woman, is shattered when her son is born with a deformity on his hand, only to discover a series of other mothers in a similar situation, leading to a determined legal battle, with the help of solicitor Des Collins (Rory Kinnear), and insider Sam Hagan (Robert Carlyle), when it's discovered harmful chemicals from transportations to the local mineral mine may have played a part.

This true life series was the next on my watchlist, until the massively lauded Adolescence came along, and it got pushed down a little. With a similarly all star cast, and a tantalising true life script to work from, there's tonnes of potential to be gleaned from this four part examination of a case that was resolved in 2010, setting an historic precedent. And while it is very effective in many ways, it's sadly not quite the sum of its parts.

There's no attempt to sugar-coat its lead characters, and so these rough, working class folk are shown in all their 'warts and all' glory, leaving you to judge them on your own beliefs and convictions. This, at the very least, gives it a welcome air of realism, before moving on to dealing with them on a human level, as poor and powerless people left to suffer at the whim of the rich and powerful. There's reliably strong, realistic performances from the cast to carry it along, but the script doesn't quite deliver the strong emotional impact it really could have.

It's pleasingly succinct, and was a true life tale that certainly deserved to be told. It just doesn't quite deliver the emotional payoff it could have. ***

Where to start, wow, I couldn't stop watching, the cast that was put together was perfect, most of the accents close enough to spot on, this is a real injustice true story that rocked the town, but the accuracy of the story telling and the whole sense of the characters and feelings was brought to life on screen perfectly.

Hopefully this is point in history that is taken onboard so this or anything similar never happens again.

Although the likeness of the main characters are not similar I thought the mannerisms for the McIntyre family was spot on, I know this as I live in the area the show is based.

This is a must watch. 10/10.

"Toxic Town" has all the makings of a gripping drama - corporate greed, a poisoned town, parents fighting for their children's lives. The stakes are real, the outrage justified. But somehow, it fumbles the execution.

The story itself is powerful. A working-class community, betrayed by the people meant to protect them, forced to fight a battle they never signed up for. It's meant to be raw, gut-wrenching. And in the right hands, it could have been. But instead of trusting the weight of the truth, the film leans too hard into melodrama.

Brendan Coyle, stepping far from his Downton Abbey days, plays his role with an intensity that borders on theatrical, every gesture a little too big, every line a little too forced. The mothers at the center of it all - women who should feel real, layered, furious - are flattened into one-note performances, their pain swallowed up by heavy-handed direction.

That's the real shame here. The story matters. The message matters. But instead of delivering a slow, inevitable punch to the gut, "Toxic Town" shouts its way through, hoping volume will make up for depth. It doesn't.

Wow, just wow.

A good adaptation of a true story.

Very well written and excellent acting.

I absolutely loved how true the programme makers were to keeping it in the 1990s. Decor, accessories, clothes, cars.... every thing was so well represented.

The story, I am not from up north and was not at an age to remember it in the press, so thoroughly enjoyed the telling of the case and journey all the characters took.

Given the corruption and politics, it was handled well, it was not too top heavy on politics which can bog down a series. More about the feelings and the people.

Really worthy of the time.

KT.

I actually started this show randomly because I noticed the actress from onther show, a show I really loved so I thought let's give it a try! I finished all 4 episodes in one day and I just can say this show was so good. But it also makes me sad at the same time because it is not just a show. It's based on true "events". The talent in this series is incredible. The story is presented in a way that you feel deeply for the characters both good and bad. This is a must watch and a reminder of the ignorance of toxic waste and it's effects. I just can say this show is worth it, and if you need a little show to watch with a few episodes: this show is perfect for you. 10/10.

Great nostalgia with the cars, music and fashion and with a great cast.

Sadly that's where the positives end. It's a slow paced drama with little character development.

Despite a strong cast it's only just watchable. Jodie Whittaker accent is frankly confusing and grating.

I can't help but feel behind the scenes it was disjointed with production, script and editing.

An important story that fails to evoke any passion or feeling from the viewing public.

Maybe instead of a four part drama it should have been six parts and fleshed out the characters with a bit more dialogue.

Promised so much, delivered so little.

Wow, this is a great story! Its realistic, fast pace and its solid performances make it an ideal proposal for those who enjoy stories based on real events about justice, corruption and citizen resistance.

The most powerful thing about the story is its human dimension, it not only portrays the legal case, but also the emotional and economic consequences that the fight has on the protagonists and their families.

Some things in the evolution of these families can be frustrating, although due to the dynamics of the story it never becomes annoying.

A lot happens in just 4 episodes, and I watched the entire series in two sittings.

Top notch! Don't miss it!

This is the best thing I've seen in a while. The first episode was a bit slow to get into, but then I was hooked and I watched it all in one day, which I don't usually do. Great characters. Particularly fantastic acting by Tracey Taylor, she deserves an award. It tells an important message - working class people's lives are often an afterthought, and even now in the UK children are dying from poor housing environments. This is exampled by the fire in Grenfell Tower in London a few years ago. Acting is great all round. I thought it was the right length overall - it was not too long and not too short.

"Toxic Town" is a gripping and emotionally charged miniseries that masterfully brings a real-life environmental scandal to the screen. With outstanding performances, particularly from Jodie Whittaker, the series captures the pain, resilience, and determination of the affected families. Jack Thorne's writing is compelling, striking a perfect balance between intense drama and moments of hope, while Minkie Spiro's direction creates a visually stunning and immersive narrative. The cinematography and soundtrack further enhance the emotional depth of the story. More than just a legal battle, "Toxic Town" is a powerful testament to justice, perseverance, and the human spirit. It sheds light on corporate negligence and the strength of ordinary people fighting for what's right. With its gripping storytelling and exceptional cast, this Netflix drama is a must-watch that will leave a lasting impact.

I'm only three episodes in to this must watch. This is not the 50s or 60s this was in my fertile life.

The way these women and families struggle and the absolute heartbreak is portraited by these wonderful actors. There is a caring touch giving to this destivating story.

You get glimpses in to the small sad lifes of these men. Who put there own greed and own life's before that of allll the people who lived in the community around the business site.

The wonderful young actors who help portray the children who live and lived with the greed and fault of others.

On the brink of tears at the injustice. This reflects the quality level of this production and high level of skill of the actors. Their commitment to telling this terrible story is truly moving. And I can't recommend it enough. I know this production will do well. Gripping me by my sole.

If you're like me-sometimes you just need a mental distraction of everyday life, this is an absolute good show/episodes that will keep you hooked.

It's deep, emotional, great actors but being a parent just makes you realise how we are so lucky to have a child and give unconditional love no matter. Intense, cried at some point (happy and sad tears) but feel good fist pumping at times!!! Most of all puts life into perspective. Respect the view from a child's point of view.

I haven't even finished watching it! S1 E4 but wow

Definitely give it a go. Highly highly recommend it. Hugging my bubba now.

Middle class fetishism with working class people kicks off with drunken karaoke followed by unsafe sex. Devil may care truck drivers racing through waste disposal site to follow. Was this one of the scenes invented for dramatic purposes? After the opening archive footage there followed two 'did you get it' scenes. Firstly 'this site will be cleared and a new Corby rise from the grime no matter what' to another scene where junior with a conscience is treat with condescension by superior and 'tough no nonsense worker'. The problem for me is it is all executed in a dumbed down fashion presumably so that us plebs who have no idea about what really goes on in the world can understand it, and oh, with some exciting scenes to keep our interest: Women bouncing on top and a high speed truck race. I accept it probably got better but unfortunately I wasn't sticking around to find out. Chernobyl is an example of how it should be done.

"Toxic Town" is a great 4 episode mini series that tells a real life story (Corby poisonings) in an excellent way with it's decent pacing and well executed story telling.

Along with it's strong female leads that gave very solid performances all around. Overall "Toxic Town" is a decent enough 4 episode show that shares a powerful real life story that executes it's pacing and story telling it a very decent enough way to keep your attention even if you ain't into the show. Along with it's very decent female leads that brought solid performances all around! Even if you ain't into the story this show was telling or the real life case this was based on, I still would say give a go!

Cause the main leads do give it their all and do a very good job doing so!

I loved this show and wish it was a bit longer. It's sad to know this is a reality in our world and why are health as a whole is on a rise in multiple areas. From deformities, to autism, to many other health issues. I'm not a big fan of most of it regardless if you use safety or not. To many horror stories and waters still poisoned in states for decades. It's even worse that companies cut corners putting profit before health and safety. Its embarrassing and needs more money put into the research of the harm it all causes. I'm glad the mothers were able to win and it makes me happy to hear. Id like to look into all the true facts of this story.

Watched on Netflix 4-4-2025.

A superb drama but let down for me by using all the same props, such as cars, decor, interior design etc from the start to the end.

The beginning of the series was 1990 and the last episode was set in 2009 yet the scenes and interior decor hadn't aged one bit! Neither had the characters.

Why were they still driving 1980's cars in 2009? And the Ready Brek box is the last episode would have been at least 15 years out of date with that box and the same with the Tennents lager!

That said, some superb acting especially from Robert Carlyle and Jodie Whittaker and well worth a 2 night binge watch.

The subject matter is utterly heartbreaking and horrific. It's obvious that any human being with an ounce of compassion would understand the plight and pain of these families and wish for their case to be found in their favor.

That being said, a fifth grader could have written this garbage. Anyone could see every turn and bit of dialogue a mile away! Every ridiculous British courtroom cliche was employed at every turn (see, "This case isn't about dead babies." Are you kidding me? What lawyer would say anything so cruel and senseless in public?).

These are good actors who have been given a script filled with nothing but tropes and utterly lazy writing.

This tragic story deserved a better production than this.

No pun intended - you do not have to be a parent to feel the pain and anger of the main characters here. Also kind of everyone has a ... distinct opinion of government and what we think of politicians ... I wouldn't say that most will change their view on this subject or any other for that matter.

Really well acted and some additional information at the end of the show - during the credits that is. Not an easy subject matter - but a very important one for sure. So this will be tough to watch - just stick with it, there are light moments too of course.

It might be a bit too long at times, but it needs the time and space to breathe .. so there is more context, more character moments and more "behind the scenes" stuff too ... perspective is everything ...

Connor was the character that impacted me the most throughout the series. There was something deeply emotional and raw in the way he was portrayed, and each child who played him brought something unique to the role - it felt like every performance surpassed the previous one in depth and emotion. The story itself is heartbreaking but incredibly powerful, and the acting across the board was outstanding. Toxic Town is easily one of the best miniseries I've ever seen on Netflix - moving, thought-provoking, and masterfully done from beginning to end. Was hard to watch how mothers fought against it.