'Exceptional' period drama dubbed 'Netflix's answer to Chernobyl' is based on harrowing true story of poisoned children - and it's already racking up rave reviews
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A period drama described as 'Netflix's answer to Chernobyl' is racking up rave reviews - having just landed on the streaming platform.
Lead Children takes place in 1970s Poland and focuses on a widespread lead-poisoning epidemic.
Based upon the true story of Dr. Jolanta Wadowska-Król, the storyline explores her efforts to save thousands of children affected by heavy-metal poisoning.
Throughout the six-part series, the young doctor faces pressure from her communist state, which is under Soviet influence - while also being discouraged in her attempts.
Discussing playing the real-life character, actress Joanna Kulig told Netflix: ‘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.’
Lead Children takes place in 1970s Poland is based upon a true story of a widespread lead poisoning epidemic
The storyline focuses on real person Dr. Jolanta Wadowska-Król, played in the series by Joanna Kulig (pictured)
The series follows the young doctor's efforts in order to save the sick, affected children in the epidemic
She added: ‘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.
‘It was a fascinating, intense, and exhausting job, but precisely because of that, a true one.’
Ultimately, the real Dr. Jalonta's steadfast campaigning led to diagnosis and treatment for the young people affected.
The series currently boasts a 8.0 rating on IMDB - and has been receiving positive reviews.
Writing for Roger Ebert, Clint Worthington said there 'shades of Chernobyl' in Lead Children and described the show as 'compelling.'
Meanwhile, Neerja Choudhurin, writing for the Midgard Times, branded the storyline as 'perfectly executed'.
Having now landed all six episodes on Netflix, Lead Children has already been receiving rave reviews
It comes as a 'masterpiece' crime drama with an all-star cast and rave reviews is leaving Netflix - and viewers have just weeks left to watch it.
ITV police procedural Whitechapel debuted in 2009 and lasted for four series altogether.
Starring Rupert Penry-Jones, the premise followed his character DI Joseph Chandler and fellow detectives facing mimicked historical crimes.
This of course includes allusions to the real-life Whitechapel murders committed by Jack the Ripper.
The protagonist's name, Joseph Chandler, comes from a real-life Police Inspector who was first on the scene of Jack the Ripper victim Annie Chapman's murder.
Also featured are Phil Davis as DS Ray Miles, Steve Pemberton as Edward Buchan and Claire Rushbrook as Dr Caroline Llewellyn.
Whitechapel is leaving Netflix on February 26, meaning fans haven't got long at all to rewatch the programme - or discover it for the first time.
Writing online, fans shared their appreciation for the series, with one penning: 'This is a masterpiece by all accounts.'
Another commented: 'Mystery and dark history in it make the series quite unique to other detective series.'
A third chimed in: 'Very good can be very dark and gritty but is edge of the seat series.'
Lead Children is available to watch on Netflix.
