Described as heartbreaking, unsettling and inspired, Netflix’s new limited series Toxic Town is based on a true story of a clutch of children born in England with physical deformities, unveiling the truth behind a shocking environmental scandal that took place in Corby in 2009.

People of the English town of Corby were found to have inhaled toxic dust, leading to birth defects their children. The poisonous dust found in the air causes meant the children were born with missing limbs and other physical abnormalities.

The story begins with Susan McIntyre (Jodie Whittaker) getting suspicious after she gives birth to a baby with a deformed hand. She then immediately takes her baby to the hospital, where she meets another mother whose baby has the same birth defect. When she later gets a call from a journalist, she realises that something is not quite right.

The star-studded series takes the viewer on a journey following the mothers trying to figure out what’s causing the birth defects.

The plot begins with the story of Susan and her baby, connecting them with other mothers and children with similar struggles, climaxing when they fight against the government for justice, with echoes of Erin Brokovitch.

The series does a really good job of portraying an investigative drama, with intense emotional ups and downs throughout the story.

The hair, make-up and clothing changes, reflecting the years it takes to solve the problem, and putting the viewer on the edge of their seat.

Whittaker is backed by a strong cast including Aimee Lou Wood, Claudia Jessie, Robert Carlyle, Rory Kinnear and Brendan Coyle, all of which give an equally impressive performance.

Directed by Minkie Spiro, it won’t wear you out either, as there are only four episodes.