“Forever Chemicals” Rise from the Ocean Floor in Urgent New Documentary
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A haunting inquiry into decades of DDT dumping reveals a persistent threat to marine life and human health, prompting a critical question: can we ignore the consequences of past environmental negligence?
For years, environmental journalist Gabriela Serrato Lukin has been meticulously documenting the insidious effects of “forever chemicals.” Her work, culminating in the documentary “Out of Plain Sight,” co-directed with Daniel Straub, exposes the alarming reality of half a million barrels of DDT waste dumped off the Southern california coast – a toxic secret closer to shore than previously understood. (Full disclosure: The film was produced by L.A. Times Studios, an affiliate company.)
The Ghosts of DDT Past
The story begins not with a dramatic reveal, but with unsettling images captured by robots: leaking barrels resting on the ocean floor. This visual anchors the film’s urgent message – that the consequences of past actions are not confined to history. As Xia explains, these “forever chemicals” don’t simply disappear; they regroup and infiltrate the food chain, starting with marine life and ultimately impacting humans.
The documentary draws a compelling parallel to Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking 1962 book,”Silent Spring,” which exposed the dangers of chemical pesticides and catalyzed the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. Carson’s alarm stemmed from a noticeable absence – declining bird populations – while Xia’s begins with a tangible, visible threat: the physical evidence of ongoing pollution.
Montrose and the Legacy of Pollution
The film centers on the actions of Montrose Chemical Corporation, the primary manufacturer responsible for the DDT waste.It’s one thing, the documentary argues, for a now-defunct company like Montrose to have operated under the assumption that their massive dumping operation would go unnoticed. It’s quite another to actively ignore the environmental ramifications unfolding today.
Xia’s investigative approach is central to the film’s narrative. Presented in a vérité style, the documentary follows her as she interviews scientists, oceanographers, biologists, and wildlife experts along the affected coastline. These conversations, filmed in the field at locations like UC San Diego labs and mammal rescue operations treating cancer-ridden sea lions, paint a vivid picture of the ongoing crisis. Microbiologist David Valentine’s efforts to collect samples from the sludge-filled barrels underscore the complexity and danger of the situation.
Beyond the Headlines: A Call to Action
“Out of Plain Sight” distinguishes itself from typical documentaries through its cinematic approach. Archival footage detailing DDT’s initial promise and subsequent protests is presented in a dynamic split-screen montage, set to The Zombies’ “I Don’t Want to Know,” adding a layer of ironic commentary. While the film acknowledges the importance of demystifying journalism – Xia herself is an engaging on-camera presence – its core strength lies in its portrayal of a dedicated, multifaceted effort to expose, understand, and ultimately remediate this enduring threat.
The documentary serves as a stark reminder that the past is never truly past, echoing the words of William Faulkner: “The past is never dead – it’s not even past.” While microplastics currently dominate environmental headlines, “Out of Plain Sight” compels us to confront the lingering consequences of earlier chemical pollution – a calamity we are still only beginning to understand.
“Out of Plain Sight” doesn’t rely on sensationalism to deliver its message; it simply presents a valuable, ongoing story about a hidden nightmare. It’s a call to action, urging viewers to wrestle with the environmental ramifications of past decisions and to demand accountability for a threat that continues to loom large.
‘Out of Plain Sight’
Not rated
Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes
Playing: Opens Friday, Nov. 21 at laemmle NoHo 7.
