The Greater Good

The Greater Good literally left me speechless. The amount of research that went into this film is evident in every interview and visual graphic. I can't remember the last time I've learned so much only to discover that I really don't know anything at all. This documentary appeals to me academically and emotionally as directors Chris Pilaro and Kendall Nelson opted to bypass the usual stacks of statistics and instead educate through personal accounts.  The film’s central study is vaccinations, however, it digs below the surface, dissecting past legislation that has had an effect on vaccination manufacturing today.

The Greater Good could have easily turned into a pro- or anti-vaccine documentary but the directors do a good job at presenting arguments from both sides. It is easier to find the personal accounts of people adversely affected by vaccines more appealing, but the scientists and other academics speak on a level that is easily understandable for everyone.  As a result, the film rarely skips a beat, offering up mountains of information that will have you questioning your own beliefs before the film reaches its end.

The whole film boils down to the concept of “show us the science and give us the choice”.  It calls for lawmakers to allow each family to decide for themselves whether or not vaccinations are wise for their children.  I greatly enjoy films that allow me to draw my own conclusions without shoving its own viewpoint down my throat - The Greater Good does just that, and from a documentary, what more can you want?