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Why foodies should watch Netflix’s documentary Rotten
Netflix’s documentary series “Rotten” has garnered significant attention from food enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. With gripping storytelling and eye-opening revelations, the series delves into the dark underbelly of the food industry, exposing the sometimes shady business practices behind common foods. If you’re a foodie looking for something enlightening and thought-provoking, here’s why Rotten should be at the top of your must-watch list.
The True Crime of Food
Produced by Zero Point Zero Productions, the same company behind Anthony Bourdain’s acclaimed series Parts Unknown, Rotten takes a unique approach to food documentaries. Instead of focusing solely on the wonders of composting, fermentation and food waste, the series adopts the sensibilities of the true crime genre to explore corruption within the food industry.
The series consists of two seasons, each consisting of six one-hour episodes. Each episode presents a different aspect of the food industry, exposing the dark secrets and questionable practices that often go unnoticed by consumers. From tampering with electrical equipment on chicken farms to farmers’ involvement with a Chinese garlic company to the exploitation of prisoners, Rotten uncovers stories that will leave you shocked and informed.
An episode not to be missed
If you only have time for one episode, Eater recommends the one that follows two chicken farmers in South Carolina as they search for the culprit who tampered with their electrical equipment, resulting in the deaths of thousands of chickens. This episode epitomizes the compelling storytelling and investigative nature of the series, shedding light on the consequences of negligence and highlighting the importance of transparency in the food industry.
Another notable episode details the involvement of two New Mexican farmers with a Chinese garlic company and the prisoners forced to peel garlic. These stories reveal the complex web of relationships and exploitation that exists within the global food supply chain.
The Infotainment Factor
While “Rotten” aims to inform viewers about corruption in the food industry, it also takes an infotainment approach. The series uses vivid storytelling techniques and draws comparisons to easy-to-understand criminal analogies to captivate its audience. For example, the dilution of honey is compared to a ploy straight out of a drug dealer’s playbook, highlighting the deceptive practices that can occur in the food industry.
While some may argue that these comparisons oversimplify and sensationalize the issues at hand, they effectively engage viewers and make the subject matter more accessible. Despite its infotainment style, “Rotten” succeeds in making complex issues feel fresh and vital.
A call to dig deeper
While “Rotten” is an engaging and informative viewing experience, it’s important to remember that it’s just the tip of the iceberg. The series serves as an introduction to the hidden realities of the food industry, sparking curiosity and encouraging further exploration.
If you find yourself engrossed in an episode, take the opportunity to learn more about the topic. Read articles, books, and reports to gain a broader understanding of the issues raised in the series. By doing so, you can empower yourself with knowledge and make more informed choices as a consumer.
Conclusion
“Rotten is a must-watch documentary series for foodies who are passionate about understanding the intricacies of the food industry. Using a true-crime approach to storytelling, the series exposes the dark side of common foods, highlighting the corruption and exploitation that often goes unnoticed. While the comparisons and infotainment style may be criticized, “Rotten” succeeds in captivating viewers and inspiring them to dig deeper into the complex issues surrounding the food they consume. So grab some popcorn and prepare to have your eyes opened to the hidden truths behind our everyday meals.
FAQS
What is the documentary series “Rotten” about?
“Rotten is a Netflix documentary series that delves into the dark side of the food industry, exposing the shady business practices behind common foods.
How many seasons and episodes does Rotten have?
“Rotten consists of two seasons, with each season consisting of six one-hour episodes, for a total of twelve episodes.
What makes Rotten different from other food documentaries?
Unlike traditional food documentaries, “Rotten” adopts the sensibilities of the true crime genre, presenting compelling stories that expose corruption and exploitation within the food industry.
Which episode of Rotten is highly recommended?
Eater recommends the episode that follows two chicken farmers in South Carolina as they investigate the tampering of electrical equipment that resulted in the deaths of thousands of chickens. This episode showcases the investigative nature of the series and highlights the consequences of negligence in the food industry.
Does “Rotten” sensationalize the issues it covers?
While “Rotten” uses storytelling techniques and comparisons to create easy-to-understand criminal analogies, some may argue that it oversimplifies and sensationalizes the issues. However, this approach effectively engages viewers and makes complex issues more accessible.
What can viewers do after watching “Rotten” to further explore the issues?
After viewing Rotten, viewers are encouraged to learn more about the subject matter. They can read articles, books and reports to gain a fuller understanding of the issues raised in the series and arm themselves with the knowledge to make more informed choices as consumers.