El Susto

"El Susto" is a compelling 2019 documentary film from director Karen Akins that delivers a strong, engaging commentary on global public health and the cost of convenience. The film showcases a unique fusion of medical, economic, and sociopolitical elements while driving a powerful message home about the devastating consequences of unchecked consumerism and corporate influence on diets.

The narrative revolves around sugar-sweetened beverages and their insidious impact on public health, especially in Mexico, a country infamous for its high obesity and diabetes rates. The title 'El Susto' translates to 'The Shock,' contextualizing the shock wave that reverberated through Mexican society when the detrimental health implications of its citizens' love for soda became clear. The documentary uses Mexico's public health crisis as a tragic example for the world, underscoring the urgent need for worldwide reform in dietary habits and food industries.

The film is especially concerned with chronic diseases caused by excess sugar intake, primarily focusing on Type 2 Diabetes, who, in Mexico, is commonly given the nickname 'El Susto.' As a frontier in the public health crisis, Mexico is grappling with the epidemic of diabetes, driven significantly by sugary drink consumption— an issue further complicated by powerful soda companies possessing significant influence in the country.

The film predominantly follows the perspectives of three figures. First, we have Simon Barquera, a renowned researcher whose cutting-edge studies demonstrate the catastrophic links between soda consumption and diabetes. His diligent work ignites the much-needed public health debate over the impact of sugar on Mexico's health.

On the other side of the argument is Alejandro Calvillo, a fearless public health advocate. As the founder and director of 'El Poder del Consumidor,' a non-profit organization focused on consumers' rights and education, Calvillo boldly takes on soda industry giants, pushing for taxes on sugary beverages to curb consumption rates and funding for public health initiatives.

Lastly, the film highlights the story of Pilar Zazueta, a hard-working woman who finds herself diagnosed with diabetes out of the blue. Despite her relatively young age and active lifestyle, Pilar represents the one in every five Mexicans diagnosed with diabetes. Her personal battle encapsulates the human cost of the pandemic, bringing a sobering, emotional perspective to the overarching narrative.

Through these protagonists, we understand the broader significance of this crisis, not just for Mexico but for a world where fast food and high-sugar convenience products have become commonplace. The film complements these human stories with robust scientific data, economic analysis, and riveting interviews with medical professionals, biologists, and lawmakers, painting a holistic picture of the issue at hand.

Director Karen Akins guides viewers through this disheartening voyage with skillful storytelling and an eye for detail, intensifying the urgency of this global health crisis. She uses the potent narrative to challenge the belief that diabetes is merely a disease of lifestyle choices, focusing instead on the systemic factors at play – lack of access to fresh produce, socioeconomic circumstances, and corporate manipulations.

A recurring motif in "El Susto" is the David versus Goliath battle, embodying in the form of the common man, public health advocates and scientists coming against powerful corporations that influence food policy and dietary habits for profit. This confrontation underscores the broader narrative around food justice and public health, raising essential questions about who is genuinely responsible for the global diabetes crisis.

"El Susto" leaves viewers with a powerful reminder that this is not a distant issue. As heart-wrenching personal stories unfold, viewers are challenged to look beyond the convenience of fast food and sugary drinks and awaken to the long-term detrimental impacts on human health. Importantly, it is a clarion call to policymakers worldwide to prioritize public health over corporate profit.

In essence, "El Susto" is an eye-opening depiction of how public health can be jeopardized by corporate interests and how the collective effort of researchers, advocates, and individuals can catalyze significant change. With heartening moments of victory interspersed with shattering realities of public health system, "El Susto" is both an awareness raiser and a call to action.