Summary

The Radium Girls (2018) is a historical drama based on a true story from the 1920s about a group of young women who worked as dial painters at the U.S. Radium Corporation in New Jersey. At that time, radium—a radioactive material—was seen as a wonder element, and it was used to make watch dials, clocks, and other items glow in the dark. The women were hired to paint the numbers on watch dials using radium-based paint. To achieve the fine details, they were instructed to “lip-point” their brushes, meaning they would dip the brush in the paint and then place it between their lips to form a fine point.

Unfortunately, the workers were unaware of the dangers of radium. Over time, the women began to experience serious health problems, such as painful tooth loss, jaw necrosis (rotting of the bone), and other severe symptoms. The radium poisoning was slowly killing them, but the company denied any responsibility. Despite the women’s struggles, the company kept insisting that the radium paint was harmless, even though it was clear the women were suffering from the effects of radiation exposure.

The story mainly follows Grace Fryer, one of the women who worked at the factory, and her friend Kathryn Schaub. Grace begins to realize that the illnesses the women are experiencing are not just coincidences but are linked to their work with radium. As they suffer physically, they start to search for answers, but they face many obstacles. The company tries to cover up the truth, and the women struggle to be taken seriously by doctors, who initially don’t believe their illnesses are related to their work.

As Grace's health deteriorates, she becomes determined to fight for justice. She faces emotional and financial challenges, but she refuses to give up. With the help of her friends and lawyer, Grace takes legal action against the U.S. Radium Corporation. This legal battle becomes a turning point, as it leads to one of the first major lawsuits against a corporation for poisoning its workers and sets a precedent for worker’s rights and the regulation of toxic substances. The case sparks public awareness about the dangers of radium and pushes for changes in labor laws that eventually protect workers from unsafe working conditions.

The film explores powerful themes of corporate greed, the exploitation of workers, and the struggle for justice. The women, who were initially seen as powerless in the face of a large corporation, demonstrate incredible courage and determination as they fight for their lives and the lives of others. Their battle shows how ordinary people, even in the face of overwhelming odds, can challenge powerful companies and make a difference in the world.

Overall, The Radium Girls highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it seems like the odds are against you. It also reminds us of the value of workers' rights and the importance of protecting people's health, especially in workplaces. The bravery of the women who fought for justice paved the way for future reforms in workplace safety and labor laws, making their story not just one of personal suffering, but also of triumph over injustice.