Film Review: The Plastic Detox March 25, 2026

Reviewed by Paige Knappenberger, Environment & Health Director

While I imagine the non-scientific science experiment at the heart of the film might make it challenging for some scientists to stomach it, Netflix’s new documentary on the health harms of plastics The Plastic Detox does a couple of things really well. First, it does a really good job of explaining how endocrine disrupting chemicals in plastic lead to human health concerns, focusing in particular on fertility. Second, the film examines how petrochemical production creates an unjust and outsized health burden for fenceline communities. It also spotlights the important work that environmental justice advocates, like Sharon LaVigne with Rise St. James, are doing to fight petrochemical buildout in their communities. Despite these positives, I felt the film could benefit from a better explanation of what plastics are most harmful and how inequality factors into exposure. Overall I give it ⅘ stars and would recommend it to anyone who is looking to learn more about plastics and health.