Netflix’s restricted sequence Painkiller options Taylor Kitsch as Glen Kryger, and his dramatic efficiency has viewers questioning if Kryger relies on an actual particular person. Painkiller dramatizes actuality by combining characters primarily based on actual folks with fictional characters to show Purdue Pharma’s affect on the nation and the consequences of the opioid disaster. Glen Kryger struggles with the ache of utilizing Oxycontin, a extremely addictive ache remedy, all through the sequence and effectually portrays the darkish facet of “pain-free” life.

Based mostly on Barry Meier’s non-fiction e-book Ache Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America’s Opioid Disaster and Patrick Radden Keefe’s New Yorker article “The Household That Constructed the Empire of Ache,” Painkiller intertwines actuality and fiction nearly seamlessly utilizing figures ripped from headlines and composite characters created to embody the nuance of the consequences of the opioid epidemic. Glen Kryger represents one facet of the opioid disaster with different characters, just like the chairperson and president of Purdue Pharma, Richard Sackler (Matthew Broderick), representing one other, giving the sequence a multi-faceted view of the injury the pharmaceutical firm brought on. Whereas some characters characterize actual, named folks, different characters are an amalgamation of many individuals affected by the ruthless actions of Purdue Pharma.

Glen Kryger Is Not A Actual Individual, However Is Impressed By Varied True Tales

Glen Kryger is a composite character, and like Edie Flowers, was impressed by actual folks affected by Purdue and the damaging results of Oxycontin. This amalgamation of Oxycontin customers creates a personality paying homage to these misplaced as a result of its use talked about originally of every episode. Kryger was prescribed the drug after getting injured in his mechanic store and the sequence tracks his downfall after rapidly getting addicted. In its effort to show Purdue Pharma’s half within the opioid disaster, Painkiller juxtaposes these earning money from, preventing in opposition to, and combating Oxycontin, and Glen Kryger is the fictionalized face of the various within the battle.

Why Glen Kryger’s Storyline Is So Vital To Painkiller’s OxyContin Criticism

Whereas the present offers an expansive and nuanced view of a number of sides of the opioid epidemic, Glen Kryger embodies these most harmed by Oxycontin. With out this character, with whom many Individuals can relate to by both first or second-hand expertise, the ache and really actual penalties wouldn’t be represented within the sequence. Viewers must put a face to the true folks whose lives have been deeply affected by the actions of Purdue Pharmacy. Different characters, actual or utterly fictionalized, give the logistics of how the epidemic was created and fought in opposition to, however Glen is so essential as a result of he offers the sequence a coronary heart—a humanized story that makes viewers perceive the rationale this drug is so harmful.

The sequence takes inventive liberties to carry the consequences of the Sackler regime to the small display screen. With a powerful ensemble forged, Painkiller makes use of its characters to color the entire image of Purdue Pharma’s half within the opioid epidemic and Glen Kryger is crucial to driving the purpose dwelling. Taylor Kitsch’s efficiency encompasses the ache and hardship of these burdened with the consequences of Oxycontin. Whereas not a personality primarily based on a real-life particular person, Glen Kryger is the face of many victims combating dependancy after being prescribed harmful Schedule II narcotics promoted by the Sacklers and Purdue Pharma.