Netflix’s limited series, “Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul” on Oct. 11 was far from greatness but, surprisingly, exceeded my expectations.
Netflix has a questionable track record when it comes to producing documentaries and docu-series, ranging from great coverage of cases such as “Our Father,” to the horrible management and production of the “Dahmer,” series. I began this docu-series with the fear that its producers wouldn’t do their diligence and properly cover vaping.
However, after finishing “Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul,” I stand corrected.
The series follows the timeline of JUUL and how it came to be, noting how founders James Monsees and Adam Bowen were merely Stanford graduates with the ambitious idea of making a difference.
One of the greatest aspects of this docu-series is the coverage of both sides. Some clips showcase the opinions of those who don’t think JUUL was entirely at fault, or think that parents are more so the ones to blame for their “negligence.” Right as those clips end, sometimes even simultaneously, Netflix shows the opposing side’s argument. These moments seemed very candid, as I can vividly remember the awkward air that surrounded JUUL creative director Steven Baillie as he tried to nonchalantly defend himself after others blamed him for his harmful advertising of JUUL.
The producers also made sure to do research into all storylines and plot points within the main topic. Those who were affected by JUUL, ranging from those who were quickly addicted to the vape pen to adults who were able to properly use it to get over a nicotine addiction, were able to share their stories.
With all of these strong points, there were still some shortcomings. The most noticeable was the lack of time taken to fully break down and explain the effect of JUUL on the human body, especially on the teenage brain. Though I understand that not only is this series speaking on JUUL’s specific storyline and that there isn’t truly an understanding of how bad of an effect nicotine has on the body yet, it is still necessary to have a specific moment where doctors or scientists take the time to explain nicotine’s effects. That, opposed to the short comments made here and there throughout the documentary, would have been a better fit for this series.
Despite that, I enjoyed “Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul,” and found it easy to watch in one sitting. I appreciate that Netflix took the time to speak on the negative effects of JUUL, and share the stories of those who have been affected.
