Review: ‘American Pain’ Unravels the Dark Side of the Opioid Crisis

In the late 2000s, a series of dubious pain clinics materialized in South Florida, dispensing opioids on an unprecedented scale. Dealers and users alike flocked for miles to take advantage of these “pill mills,” which were operated by twin brothers Chris and Jeff George, driven by a frenzied desire to amass wealth.

The story of the George brothers is recounted with cinematic flair in “American Pain” (on Max), a title that ironically refers to one of their clinics. Director Darren Foster approaches the documentary as a character study, delving into the brothers’ upbringing before tracking their evolution into drug kingpins. Foster intersperses interviews with past associates of the brothers, as well as conversations with the brothers themselves, conducted over the phone from prison. The accounts emphasize the pair’s savvy and the fluidity with which they managed to move clients in and out of their clinics. Foster complements these testimonials with footage from news programs and from the investigations of undercover federal agents.

Meanwhile, as countless others suffered from addiction, Jeff and Chris raked in millions. Although Foster offers measured criticism of the brothers’ ruthless ambition, the documentary doesn’t shy away from portraying the wilder aspects of their business: excessive drinking on the job, cash transported in trash bags, and receptionists hired purely for their looks. The systemic failures that allowed the brothers’ schemes to run rampant receive comparatively little attention. At the time, Florida had exceedingly lax laws regarding pharmaceuticals; as the orders stacked up, the suppliers kept sending more pills with little to no scrutiny.

A character study about such unsavory figures might seem gratuitous. However, the documentary is both stylish and engaging, with plenty of energy and suspense.

American Pain
Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 46 minutes. Watch on Max.