As it seems, the skepticism towards the advantages of vaccines is not going to settle anytime soon. This issue has been the subject of multiple films that attempt to bring clarity and responsabilization to this messy conversation.
One of those films is “Protocol 7” which was directed by Andrew Wakefield, who co-wrote the film with Terry Rossio. The film presents a drama thriller based on real life cases, that shows Merck Pharmaceuticals as the main subject of the case with a whistleblower regarding their suspected corporate wrongdoings.
The story of the film is based on Lexi, a small-town attorney, but her peaceful life turns upside down when she sees that her adopted child suffers from a drastic downfall in his developmental growth. In the course of her baby’s struggle for answers and accountability, she comes across a network of fraud. Dreary as it is, her journey for the defenseless truth also endangers her profession.
Lexi played by Rachel G. Whittle, along with her husband, always dreamed of getting pregnant from the very start. Once the couple adopts a baby after years of trying, they learn the infant is autistic, which was made worse when Lexi believes the infant got a dose of the MMR vaccine. Her innate connection spurs her passion to seek excursion for what is right.
While investigating, Lexi meets Dr. literally appearing in the film, this character champions veganism and has many health positive ideas against Big Pharma. She then talks to Steve Murray who is also at the pharmaceutical company and plans on revealing the fraud behind the MMR vaccine tests . Together, they set on an expedition that lasted years and aimed to go at length proving one of the strongest institutions in America as blue-collared criminals.
‘Protocol 7’ as the creator claims is based on real events but does not however state how much of the presented story has been altered to entertain. As for Lexi Collins G Whittle’s return to the screen as the character Koprowski was practical as she portrays a family lawyer turned into corporate fraud investigator. At times she delivers an okay role and it is only few times that some brilliance is seen from her when she embarks upon emotional delivery of her performance.
Eric Roberts makes an impression as Errani, a senior officer at the pharmaceutical company. Roberts does give his complete strength of act talent in the acting of this film without any doubts. He has very few scenes in the film but is effective in his portrayal of the cold-hearted superior who quietly influences his scientists to get the desired result of the tests. His performance, in fact, increases the level of threat and believability attached to the story.
In contrast, Josh Murray’s repeating ‘Steve’ character does not come out strong as it should be. If it was his intention, the customer can hear the details of this character’s daunting tasks and it also raises the question of whether or not this was such a hard role, the character seemed pretty meek without that type of a conflict.
The film uses storytelling that hops around in time as Lexi and Dr. Jay investigate the activities of the pharmaceutical company. It is a stunningly bold dramatic structure but at first, the non-chronological narration of events can be puzzling, but with time the pieces of the tale get complete. The limitation of the film is the type of the film that is, the film has been shot in a tv movies way. The colors are quite bright and have a range of different hues although they present a distinct direction that would have elevated the viewing experience.
Act three, or the third act, offers what rightfully should be thrilling Marilyn deposits but instead shows a series of depositions that should be building the tension and suspense. These episodes do push the narrative forward, but not conclusively in the manner that climaxes in the viewer jumping out of their seat. Lexi’s cell is missing all the commanding points and instead there are discussions, questions being asked, answers and even comments that should have gone unnoticed. One would even see the briefest of emotional displays during the interaction, most famously from the lead protagonist, Lexi, who gives a strong smile while at the same time casts a glare, but in the end, it seems pointless in establishing any closure to the Merck Pharmaceuticals and their court cases she was asked to resolve.
Andrew Wakefield has purposely structured the documentary in such a manner that leaves the viewers feeling like members of the jury. The last frame (epilogue) says, “this film was made for you so that you may wish to pursue these matters more and take a position.” It helps the viewers extend the focus of the film even more to the very heated discourse about vaccines and abuse of power.
To conclude this section, a word of caution is advisable if an enjoyable fast paced Sci-Fi accented thriller is what you are after. This is the reason why I think there will be people out there who will find “Protocol 7” ultimately underwhelming. Instead, people should strongly understand the need to such a slow burn, more of a crusade by one man against unattainable and unethical corporate practices.
This film could earn a 5 out 10 from me. Its heart fails to come through, notwithstanding the underlying good performances and what looks to be a good storyline. Because in the end what one gets is not what one expected, and mostly one is left feeling unengaged.
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