A biographical film about a single mother who uncovered and sought justice after uncovering a massive water contamination scandal is now streaming for free in the UK.
In 1993 legal clerk Erin Brockovich began an investigation into Pacific Gas & Electric Company after finding widespread unexplained illness’ in the town of Hinkley, California.
Doing so without legal, medical, or scientific training, she was instrumental in building a case against the company and suing it on behalf of the town and its residents – who had reported illnesses such as respiratory problems, chronic fatigue, skin ulcers and even various types of cancers. It then emerged these had been caused by the contamination of drinking water with hexavalent chromium.
Once the case went to court, it broke records after becoming the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in United States history to that date. With over 600 plaintiffs alleging injury from the contaminated water, the case settled in 1996 for $333 million ($684 million in 2025/ £509million in 2025).
Erin also got a $2.5million (£1.8million) payout as part of her fee.
Just a few years later her story was told on the big screen – with Julia Roberts starring in the film named after the activist.
As the synopsis teased: ‘Erin Brockovich is a woman in a tight spot. Following a car accident in which Erin is not at fault, Erin pleads with her attorney Ed Masry to hire her at his law firm. Erin stumbles upon some medical records placed in real estate files. She convinces Ed to allow her to investigate, where she discovers a cover-up involving contaminated water in a local community which is causing devastating illnesses among its residents.’
Once hitting screens, the movie quickly proved a massive success, grossing $256.3 million worldwide.
It was also nominated for five awards at the Oscars in 2001 – including best picture, best director, best supporting actor and best original screenplay. Roberts won best actress for her starring role, whilst also picking up awards at the Baftas, Golden Globes, Sag’s and Critic Choice Awards.
This week the movie was added to Channel 4, where viewers can now re-watch the iconic film, or tune in for the very first time. However, there’s no time to waste as it will only be available to stream until the end of the month.
If you still need some convincing, these are some of the reviews critics shared about the film at the time it was released.
‘One of the gutsiest, most exciting, and most satisfying courtroom docudramas ever, one that genuinely lifts the spirits as you watch it,’ The Chicago Tribune shared.
‘The richest role of [Julia Roberts’] career, simultaneously showing off her comic, dramatic and romantic chops. It also happens to be a rousing, hugely entertaining movie,’ Newsweek wrote.
‘An exhilarating tale about a woman discovering her full potential and running with it, Erin Brockovich is everything that “inspirational” true-life stories should be and rarely are,’ Variety added.
Meanwhile viewers have offered similar glowing feedback of the film.
‘An exceptional legal drama and character study that has aged remarkably well. Easily Julia Roberts’ best performance. A must-see turn of the century film,’ Matty posted on Rotten Tomatoes this year.
‘Erin Brockovich remains a near-perfect blend of crowd-pleaser and conscience-raiser. It respects working-class communities, celebrates female agency without sanding off the edges, and delivers an ending that earns every cheer,’ CadeandKit wrote.
‘Erin Brockovich is an extraordinary film that proves the power of determination, compassion, and courage in the face of injustice,’ Rohan added.
Following her court case, Erin went on to host the series Final Justice with Erin Brockovich, while she’s also continued her activism as a consumer health advocate.
Her book Superman’s Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do About It was published in 2020.
‘I want us to understand the importance of water,’ she told People at the time. ‘I don’t know that we understand the tipping point that we’re at, and what we can do in our own towns to empower ourselves, so we have safer water.”
‘The hope is when people know better, they do better and they rise up. We can turn that tide. I’m going to believe that until the day I die,’ she added.
Erin Brockovich is streaming on Channel 4.
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