Although not as Maverick as many of the films at Cinequest, “Side Effects” is a scathing look at the pharmaceutical industry from the inside. Written and directed by Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau, a former pharmaceutical sales representative, this film gives us an inside look at how the sales end of the industry works.
Young, perky Karly is recruited to be a pharmaceutical sales rep in spite of the fact that she knows nothing about science: she’s a good salesperson, and that what counts. Initially distressed by the manipulation, twisting of facts, and outright bribery of her profession, she decides to quit — but not before going out with a bang. Karly starts telling all her doctor clients the unvarnished truth, and her sales soar. Faced with the prospect of leaving a successful career behind, she finds herself torn between her ethics (and those of Zack, her beloved boyfriend) and her company car and big bonuses. Some of the plot points are fairly standard, but this is a fascinating and insightful look at the problems with the industry that is responsible for protecting the lives of people across the nation.