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Parents' Guide to

The Anthrax Attacks: In the Shadow of 9/11

By Sabrina McFarland, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Docu details historic bioterror assault; language, violence.

Movie NR 2022 95 minutes
The Anthrax Attacks: In the Shadow of 9/11 movie poster image.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Two anthrax investigators in hazmat suits near the Unites States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
  • Cover of the New York City tabloid newspaper Daily News with headlines about the anthrax attacks.
  • Investigator in hazmat suit opening letter that possibly contains anthrax.
  • Anthrax investigator displays letter with hateful messages.
  • Postal employee Terrell Worrell who was exposed to anthrax at work.

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What's the Story?

In THE ANTHRAX ATTACKS: IN THE SHADOW OF 9/11, law enforcement officials and others join forces to find the source behind the dissemination of anthrax among the American population shortly after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The spore-producing bacterium caused illness and the deaths of five people.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say (1 ):

Director and Oscar nominee Dan Krauss (The Kill Team) shares a precise perspective in an essential film about one of America's darkest chapters. The Anthrax Attacks: In the Shadow of 9/11 revisits the historic incident and relies on firsthand interviews that include survivors and family members, reenactments based on official government files, and archival news footage and photos.

On October 4, 2001, and just three weeks after the September 11 U.S. terrorist attacks, anthrax claims its first fatality. "We had someone who had died from anthrax poisoning," recalls FBI agent Brad Garrett. "The question is, how did it get there?" The agency is assigned to solve the case, which reportedly becomes the most expensive one ever carried out by the team. It costs more than $10 million dollars, involves 9,000-plus interviews and 6,000 issued grand jury subpoenas, and reveals surprising results that viewers may find questionable today.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the teamwork of the people in The Anthrax Attacks: In the Shadow of 9/11. How do they also demonstrate communication and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?

  • During the anthrax exposure in the Washington, D.C., area, there are allegations of disparities in the treatment of the contagion between Congress members and postal service employees. What may have been the possible reasons behind this?

  • What do you think of the legal outcomes of the investigation? Was justice served in this case? Why, or why not?

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