Netflix’s gripping four-part miniseries Toxic Town, premiered on February 27, 2025, has reignited national outrage over the Corby toxic waste scandal, a real-life environmental catastrophe that caused birth defects in dozens of children during the 1980s and 1990s. Kind of like Erin Brockovich, the series forces viewers to sit with the guilt, grief, and fury of families who suffered and fought back against corporate negligence.
Set in Corby, Northamptonshire, the drama chronicles the closure of the British Steelworks in 1979 and the council’s decision to remediate the site by trucking 1.5 million tonnes of toxic waste — laden with heavy metals, dioxins, and chemicals — through residential streets without proper containment. Dust clouds blanketed homes, playgrounds, and schools, leading to a cluster of birth defects: missing limbs, facial deformities, and organ failures in 18 confirmed cases, with fears of up to 40 affected children.
The series centers on three mothers — portrayed by Jodie Whittaker as Susan McIntyre, Maxine Peake as Lorraine Fisher, and Laura Haddock as Katrina Baxter — whose babies were born with upper limb defects. Susan’s son was “born navy blue,” Lorraine’s daughter missing fingers, Katrina’s child without arms. Devastated, they formed the Corby Birth Defect Action Group in 2004, battling for a decade against Corby Borough Council.
Filmed with stark realism in Corby locations, Toxic Town interweaves personal testimonies with archival footage, council meetings, and expert analysis. Whittaker’s fierce determination, Peake’s quiet rage, and Haddock’s maternal heartbreak anchor the narrative, supported by Erin Brockovich’s cameo and lawyer Des Collins (played by Mark Addy).
The 2009 High Court ruling found the council “guilty of negligence,” awarding £14 million in settlements — a landmark victory for environmental justice. Yet the series highlights ongoing impacts: affected children now adults, struggling with prosthetics, mental health, and unanswered questions about undiscovered graves.
Critics praise its unflinching power: The Guardian called it “devastatingly necessary,” Variety “a sobering call to action.” With 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, viewers report tears and fury: “It’s so devastating to watch — like Erin Brockovich but more personal.”
Post-release, 40+ families have come forward, demanding a public inquiry. Health Secretary Wes Streeting pledged to “listen carefully.” ITV News covered renewed calls, linking defects to airborne toxins.
Toxic Town isn’t entertainment — it’s a mirror to corporate greed’s human cost. As Corby mothers say, “We fought for justice so no other family suffers.” Streaming now on Netflix, it’s essential viewing that demands accountability.