HBO produced the television movie "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks." Based on Rebecca Skloot's 2010 nonfiction book of the same name, which she executive produced, the film is directed by George C. Wolfe. Rose Byrne plays Rebecca Skloot in the movie, and Oprah Winfrey plays Deborah Lacks, Henrietta's daughter.
What are HeLa cells?
To understand the movie better, let me first explain what HeLa cells are. HeLa cells are a line of immortal human cells taken without consent from Henrietta Lacks in the 1950s. They have been crucial to the development of vaccinations, cancer research, and other scientific discoveries, among other medical breakthroughs.
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Summary:
"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" highlights Rebecca Skloot's investigation of Henrietta Lacks's life and the remarkable influence of her cells on medical science. The life of Henrietta Lacks before her tragic death and the scientific breakthroughs made possible by the immortal HeLa cells are the two main tales that are interwoven throughout the story.
In the 1950s, Henrietta Lacks, a poor African American woman, is treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital. During her stay, cells from a tumour are removed from her without her knowledge or consent. The ability of these cells, referred to as HeLa, to proliferate indefinitely shows how special they are. They play a key role in a number of medical innovations, such as the creation of the polio vaccine and improvements in the study of cancer.
Skloot discovers the unethical aspects of Henrietta Lacks' cells as she continues her investigation, including the commercialization of HeLa, the absence of informed consent, and the family's misunderstanding of their matriarch's scientific contributions. The narrative examines the psychological toll that learning about the application and effects of HeLa cells on Henrietta's family—particularly her daughter Deborah—takes.
Themes of the movie:
The film highlights the tension between scientific progress and human cost, addressing ethical questions about medical consent, racial disparities in healthcare, and the commercialization of biological materials. It ultimately humanises the story behind HeLa cells, giving a voice to Henrietta Lacks and her family in the context of scientific history.
My favourite part of the movie was when Deborah and his brother visited the laboratory and watched the HeLa cells. The cells are also projected on their bodies, which is a mesmerising scene to watch.
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I highly encourage everyone to watch this movie since it is a great movie with a lot to learn.
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