The Netflix drama is based on a real-life case and follows a doctor uncovering a health scandal affecting the lives of thousands of children
A gripping new period drama based on a harrowing true story that impacted thousands of children is arriving on Netflix this week.
The series is essential viewing for anyone captivated by HBO’s Chernobyl and Netflix’s Toxic Town, which was released last yearreports the Express.
The Lead Children is set in the 1970s and charts the remarkable story of young doctor Jolanta Wadowska-Król (portrayed by Joanna Kulig), who takes on the government to expose the lead poisoning of young children in her local area.
The streaming service previously released a trailer for the six-part series, depicting children in the Silesia region of Poland becoming ill from “mysterious illnesses” before Wadowska-Król discovers widespread lead poisoning caused by the nearby smelter.
When she attempts to expose the truth about the innocent lives impacted by the scandal, she faces opposition from the authoritarian Communist government who seek to silence her.
Furthermore, workers at the smelting factory are left furious by the prospect of job losses, creating additional resistance to prevent the public health crisis from being exposed.
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The medic encounters threats to both herself and her family, but remains determined to expose the truth.
The Lead Children is adapted from the book of the same name by author Micha Jdryka.
Numerous viewers have commented beneath the trailer about the upcoming show, which is already drawing comparisons to HBO’s critically acclaimed Chernobyl. Viewers have flooded the YouTube comments section with praise for the upcoming series.
One remarked: “This looks like a much needed movie. Lead and it’s effects worldwide has been unimaginable (paint, pipes, etc) [sic].”
Another drew comparisons, posting: “Netflix’s response to HBO’S Chernobyl” whilst a third agreed: “This reminds me very much of Chernobyl.”
Explaining the historical significance, one commenter noted: “She worked in Katowice and was one of the first to draw public attention to environmental pollution in an industrial region.
“Her actions led to the treatment of thousands of children and changes in public health policy. She is regarded as one of the most important figures in Polish social medicine.”
Another viewer praised: “One person who stood up doggedly and made a difference. Every citizen of the free world should watch it.”
The Lead Children arrives on Netflix on Wednesday, February 11, with all six episodes dropping simultaneously for worldwide streaming.
The compelling drama features lead actress Kulig, who reflected: “Lead Children shows resistance to change and the strength one must find within oneself to oppose it.
“In the character of Jola Wadowska-Król, I saw above all honesty, extraordinary courage, persistence, and uncompromising nature.
“Her life story poses the question of whether we, in her place, would find enough strength in ourselves to stand alone against the system.
“Proper preparation, the atmosphere on set – all this allowed me to completely immerse myself in the world of this character and feel her rhythm.”
She further commented: “It was a fascinating, intense, and exhausting job, but precisely because of that, a true one.”
The Polish-language series also features Michał Żurawski, Zbigniew Zamachowski, Marian Dzidziel, Agata Kulesza, Kinga Preis, and Sebastian Pawlak alongside Kulig.
Filming spanned across various locations in Poland, including Katowice, Ruda Śląska, Świtochowice, Zabrze, Gliwice, Bytom, and Warsaw.
The Lead Children will be released on Netflix on February 11
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