Buried With Michael Sheen review – this vital look at a toxic waste scandal is deeply enraging TV

The documentary "Buried With Michael Sheen" features acclaimed actor Michael Sheen delving into a significant environmental scandal: the alleged dumping of toxic "forever chemicals," specifically Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), in Welsh quarries during the mid-20th century. This two-part series is particularly impactful due to its reliance on a filmed interview conducted nearly a decade ago with Douglas Gowan, a dedicated environmental campaigner. Gowan, who had spent decades attempting to raise public awareness about this issue and was nearing the end of his life, chose to share his extensive findings and knowledge with Sheen. The documentary positions Sheen, an award-winning Hollywood star known for his versatile roles and Welsh heritage, as the ideal presenter to bring this underappreciated injustice to a wider audience.

Sheen's involvement in the project stems from a period of professional lull, during which he reportedly stumbled upon Gowan online and developed a strong desire to learn more about the environmental concerns Gowan had been tirelessly advocating for. The documentary captures Sheen spending two intensive days interviewing Gowan, a process that has yielded what is described as the most valuable and comprehensive document available on this historical pollution event. While Sheen remains somewhat reserved about the precise circumstances that led him to Gowan, the profound impact of their collaboration is evident throughout the series.

The investigation meticulously probes the alleged dumping practices, highlighting the persistent nature of PFAS, chemicals notorious for their resistance to degradation and their potential to accumulate in the environment and living organisms. The documentary underscores the grave consequences of this historical negligence, presenting disturbing incidents and exploring potential links to cancer cases among affected communities. By leveraging Gowan's decades of research and his poignant final testimony, Sheen crafts a compelling narrative that not only exposes the extent of the environmental damage but also serves as a powerful call for accountability and remembrance. The series aims to illuminate a scandal that has long been overlooked, bringing the urgent story of pollution and its lasting impact to the forefront of public consciousness.