There's Something in the Water (2019)

In the gripping documentary, There's Something in the Water, Ellen Page and her creative partner Ian Daniel venture into the unnerving landscapes of environmental and social disasters in Page's homeland, Nova Scotia. This raw and thought-provoking film is inspired by Ingrid Waldron's explosive study, tracing Page's journey through rural parts of the province where the fallout of industrial development has left a toxic imprint. Far from being random, these ecological catastrophes are meticulously located in remote, impoverished communities, predominantly populated by Indigenous or Black residents. The film poignantly underscores the unfortunate truth that one's postal code can dictate their health. An array of brave women take center stage in this narrative, their tales of struggle and defiance echoing through their scarred lands. The audience meets Louise from Shelburne, who guides us through her cancer-stricken neighborhood, a grim testament to the invisible enemy they face. Michele, a steadfast warrior, battles to safeguard “A'se'k," once a tranquil haven for Indigenous people, now a victim of the relentless toxins disgorged by a pulp and paper mill. The government's belated intervention is a stark reminder of societal disparities, instigated only when wealthier, predominantly white communities were affected. In the face of a gas company threatening their river, a group of Mi'gmaq activists, known as The Grandmothers, rise up for their ancestral land. The chilling reality of environmental racism and its insidious reach imbues the film with an urgency that reverberates through the voices of Indigenous and African Nova Scotian women fighting for their communities, their lands, and their futures. Yet, amidst the sobering and terrifying revelations, glimmers of hope emerge. The indomitable spirit of the subjects, the guardians of their threatened communities, serves as a beacon of resilience, compassion, and resourcefulness. Their courage drives home Louise's poignant question - if we don't care about others, "What do we get up for every day?" There's Something in the Water is a haunting exploration of these untold stories, a stirring call to action that leaves viewers grappling with the uncomfortable realities of environmental disparity and the enduring human spirit.

There's Something in the Water is a documentary movie featuring Stephen Colbert and directed by Ian Daniel.

There's Something in the Water is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex, Plex Player and Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy There's Something in the Water on Amazon Video and Apple TV.