Critic Reviews

Whittaker is astonishing as Susan. .... Knowing the facts of the case still doesn’t undo any of Thorne’s expertly crafted suspense, and my heart was in my throat up until the last minute. Watching Toxic Town should be compulsory.

It’s very watchable and, in the mould of Mr Bates vs the Post Office, highlights a scandal which failed to imprint itself on the public consciousness.

This is a David versus Goliath story that shows how parents were gaslighted even when their children were suffering pain from repeated operations. Yet they still triumphed. But it remains entirely British in flavour and never resorts to corniness.

The occasional cheesiness of Toxic Town doesn’t matter, especially when the writer, Jack Thorne, is so careful to mine this dire situation for nuggets of precious humanity.

The result here is unexpectedly uplifting. Toxic Town's winning, underdog spirit brightens a universal tale, a final salvo in the fight to be heard.

Concerns aside, Toxic Town emerges as a complex, devastating story told with heart. Respect for its subjects pours from the screen.

All in all, “Toxic Town” makes for a harrowing watch, and the fact that the mothers won £14.6 million in compensation after almost ten years of anxiety, rage, and sorrow is reason enough to watch.

Aside from this pacing issue in the show's first half, Toxic Town presents an important story in a serviceable way, with a focus on mothers who fought for their children. This includes strong performances from everyone involved, coupled with important aspects of the real case being presented alongside the dramatized moments.