Andrew Wakefield's film "Protocol 7" is based on real-life events.

Andrew Wakefield's film "Protocol 7" is based on real-life events. According to the first-time filmmaker, his strong belief that the MMR vaccine directly causes autism is what cost him his credibility among doctors and scientists across the world, and his medical license.

Wakefield is what the world calls a "whistleblower," calling out the alleged greed and insensitivity of Big Pharma. His goal is to raise awareness, first with a documentary, and now with "Protocol 7".

It's well-documented that pharmaceutical companies have been caught attempting to mislead people on the effectiveness of their medicines, including vaccines. A simple Google search can lead one down a complex rabbit hole on the topic, with both sides of the political and medical circles debating the issue.

This sets the stage for Wakefield's first narrative, which is his creative re-organizing of his experiences while presenting an alleged conspiracy involving Merck that goes "all the way to the top."

In approaching this story, it's vital to keep in mind that it is (again) based on a true whistleblower story, so the creepiness lies in the dark side of corporate espionage.

The story focuses on Merck's whistleblowers and the Koprowski family, who are dealing with their son's alleged bad reaction to the MMR vaccine. When he starts displaying signs of autism, they are horror-stricken at the sudden change. Lexi (Rachel G. Whittle), the mother and a family lawyer, is determined to find the truth. She believes the company is lying but proving it is another matter entirely. She's not alone; her husband Josh (R. Brandon Johnson) is equally committed.

Several elements work in "Protocol 7," one being, of course, the theme of medical conspiracy and portraying a supposedly evil entity that shouldn't be trusted. However, the character development is weak, with most of the corporate employees and doctors being one-dimensional.

Like most films of this genre, the legal scenes in the third act are fast-paced and interesting, building suspense. For those who are anti-vaccination, this may be a must-see.

The film's closing slides are impactful. They suggest various things, but perhaps the most important takeaway is that researching anything that goes into your body is solid, common sense.

Genre: Drama Thriller

Runtime: 1hr 38 mins

Writers: Terry Rossio and Andrew Wakefield

Director: Andrew Wakefield

AWARDS 

 

Best Thriller, Five Continents International Film Festival  

Best Feature Film, Athens International Monthly Film Festival 

Best Feature Film, Andy Wakefield, Oniros Film Festival April 2024  

 Best Trailer, Andy Wakefield, Oniros Film Festival April 2024  

Best Thriller Film, Andy Wakefield, Oniros Film Festival April 2024  

Best Drama Film, Andy Wakefield,  Oniros Film Festival April 2024  

Best Director, Andy Wakefield,  Oniros Film Festival April 2024  

Best Producer, Joey Vasatka & Brian Wendel,  Oniros Film Festival April 2024  

Best First Time Producer, Joey Vasatka,  Oniros Film Festival April 2024  

Best Actor, Matthew Marsden, Oniros Film Festival April 2024   

Best Actress, Rachel Whittle, Oniros Film Festival April 2024  

Best Soundtrack, Will Taylor,  Oniros Film Festival April 2024  

Best Main Theme, Will Taylor, Oniros Film Festival April 2024 

Best Actor In A Drama, Matthew Marsden - Diamond Award Best Actor & Director Awards New York  

Best Actress In A Drama, Rachel Whittle - Diamond Award Best Actor & Director Awards New York  

Best Child Actor, Christopher Scott - Silver Award Best Actor & Director Awards New York  

Best Mystery/Thriller, Andy Wakefield, Alternative International Film Festival  

Best Actress, Rachel Whittle, Alternative International Film Festival  

Best Actor Matthew Marsden, Alternative International Film Festival  

Best Mystery / Suspense / Thriller, Alternative International Film Festival