A friend and I went to this movie expecting an informative documentary. It was much more than that - capturing the culture, color and sounds of Mexico and a beautiful people manipulated by propaganda, and determined to improve their future. It was inspirational to hear a story involving a problem faced by many - Type 2 Diabetes - that included solutions. The story is relevant to any country where sodas have replaced water causing explosive growths in Type 2 diabetes and obesity. These changes have burdened the lives of people and the healthcare system. Because of the movie, I researched and found out in my country (USA) the SNAP program (food stamps) allows sodas because of industry lobbying. If you get a chance, see the movie!
17 Reviews
Powerful, Relevant and Compelling!
lcbieler22 December 2019
El Susto will appeal to all audiences whether you are in the health care field, looking for a gripping story you will not believe is not fiction or if you are simply seeking intriguing, current information to add to your knowledge bank. This movie will draw you in, stimulate your mind, evoke your emotions and leave you contemplating Big Soda's deplorable actions preying on Mexico's disadvantaged population for months to come. Karen Akins' first documentary is to be commended for its powerful, thoughtful script, depth of details - factual and creative - and its authenticity, original Mexican soundtrack included. Akins takes a courageous stance against Big Soda's marketing tactics as the leading cause of Mexico's Type 2 Diabetes epidemic and worlds' highest death rate from diabetes. As such, El Susto is heavily vetted and accurate to the last detail despite the content often leaving your mouth gaping. The person posting the review titled "Misleading" has clearly not watched this movie. El Susto is not to be missed. It will blow your mind.
A beautiful tapestry of Mexico, Hope, confronting the Coca Cola Goliath
kathrynottokrist25 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
"El Susto" explores the beautiful tapestry of Mexico and its tragic dance with diabetes, the beliefs held around the causes of the disease and the insidious influences of the soda industry through pervasive marketing and political influence.
The film begins with the words of Octavio Paz: "the word death is not spoken in London, Paris or New York because it burns the lips. The Mexican, in contrast, is familiar with death, chases after it, mocks it, courts it, hugs it, sleeps with it. It is his favorite toy and lasting love."
The film takes us through a journey to understand how diabetes could become a nation's top killer, as the rates of diabetes in Mexico double in only a number of years. It is a story of a nation's health and a people taking on the powerful Goliath of Coca Cola. The film gives hope that with soda taxes and public education , Mexico and the world can reverse the devastating trend of diabetes.
The film begins with the words of Octavio Paz: "the word death is not spoken in London, Paris or New York because it burns the lips. The Mexican, in contrast, is familiar with death, chases after it, mocks it, courts it, hugs it, sleeps with it. It is his favorite toy and lasting love."
The film takes us through a journey to understand how diabetes could become a nation's top killer, as the rates of diabetes in Mexico double in only a number of years. It is a story of a nation's health and a people taking on the powerful Goliath of Coca Cola. The film gives hope that with soda taxes and public education , Mexico and the world can reverse the devastating trend of diabetes.
El Susto: Coke is it!
imdb-16916-5231226 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
El Susto presents a colorful, credible thesis on the real cause behind death-related Type-2 diabetes in Mexico: the multinational Coca-Cola corporation, whose quest for financial profit has even infiltrated the highest levels of government at the expense of the health of its citizens. Corporate greed and corruption, extensive marketing to children, and limited physical access to clean water sources has caused the number of diabetes-related deaths to skyrocket over the past twenty years, making it the number one cause of mortality in Mexico.
People who drink copious amounts of Coke instead of water; their lives are threatened by disease. The public health do-gooders who devote their lives in order to pass a soda tax that can limit sugar consumption and improve the health of their citizens? Their lives are also threatened, not by diabetes, but by governmental organizations issuing death threats through infiltrating spyware on their cellphones. Sobering, indeed.
Fortunately this film ends on a note of hope and optimism for the future health of the Mexican people. Thank you for bringing this important message to the public!
People who drink copious amounts of Coke instead of water; their lives are threatened by disease. The public health do-gooders who devote their lives in order to pass a soda tax that can limit sugar consumption and improve the health of their citizens? Their lives are also threatened, not by diabetes, but by governmental organizations issuing death threats through infiltrating spyware on their cellphones. Sobering, indeed.
Fortunately this film ends on a note of hope and optimism for the future health of the Mexican people. Thank you for bringing this important message to the public!
Brings up questions
rlsmith199410 March 2022
This film conflates type 2 and type 1 diabetes, as clearly stated in the trailer. My child was diagnosed with type 1 several years ago. For millions of people like him, it does more harm than good. The film makers, to my knowledge, have not addressed this issue and delete individual comments that bring this health/science fact to their attention.
Gave me a Susto! What a wake up call
davidkahn-0519528 April 2020
An excellent documentary about profit over health at the expense of both children and adults. Soda industries should be ashamed of themselves. Thank you to the filmmakers for caring about our neighbors to the south, as well as the well being of all of us. Well done and well said!
Great Watch!
hastingst-447091 March 2021
Beautifully crafted and enjoyable to watch. Brings light to the prevalent issue of Type II diabetes. Will change your view of the soda industry, healthcare system and personal well-being. Very inspiring, informative and a well organized film. Displays the intersectionality between government, healthcare, business, and nutrition on a multi-faceted level. The filmmakers shed light on the underhanded dealings between business and healthcare at the expense of the public. Definitely recommend a watch if interested in health!
Inspiring
laurencelev-ll12 August 2020
A documentary about a life-or-death issue every Mexican should be aware of
ivanmtzc30 October 2020
A documentary everyone should watch to understand what is behind diabetes in Mexico and all the deaths it causes. I'm a medical doctor and in the last few years I've been working with rural communities in Chiapas, Mexico, among some of the poorest populations. It is impressive how soft drinks can reach even the farthest locations but medicines, vaccines, education cannot. Here we have to fight against soft drinks without even the most basic tools. It is an unfair war where, basically, the patient is condemned to die. This documentary shows this fight and all the agents involved, from politicians to bussinessmen, to storeowners and consumers; the successes and the challenges. The diabetes epidemic in Mexico is not a random event but the consequence of a well organized and promoted injustice. This film is an informative, awareness raising, evidence-based weapon for those who pursue the right to health!
Not to be missed!
leahhodari28 April 2020
The courage of the filmmakers and health advocates in Mexico is evident as this story comes to life. By raising the important conversation about the link between sugary drinks and the rise of health issues in children and adults, this film is reminiscent of the #metoo movement as it applies to millions of victims who fall prey to the marketing ploys of soda industry executives. Well told, beautifully photographed, and thought provoking from start to finish, I can't wait to see what Karen Akins investigates next!
Important and Illuminating
evansksa22 June 2020
A brilliant documentary that opens the door to the terrible price paid by many in Mexico to the soft drink industry. It is filled with well researched facts but presented in a wholly humanistic way. The filming throughout Mexico is top notch. You will wonder at the end of it how you never knew this was all happening! Truly life changing to see.
An informative movie for all audiences
brunoparra-0852418 April 2021
This documental truly shows the state that Mexico is in when considering the amount of soft drinks that are consumed there and it is a must see if you come from Mexico or you have some relatives living in the country to understand how changing their diet can prevent any medical problems and make them understand why they consume the products that can cause medical problems.
Well-Done, Informative, and Moving
hoeye20 April 2021
As a public health nutrition student, I often approach food documentaries with a grain of salt. However, I was happily surprised by El Susto. They did an amazing job of describing the cultural importance of Coca-Cola in Mexico, how Mexican health has been impacted, and the history of the problem. Most importantly they showed how we can move towards a better future, how we can create change that is sustainable and effective at protecting public health. This movie is a 10/10 recommend to a friend. I am finding myself referencing it with any chance I get. Very well done! I am so happy I got the opportunity to watch and learn from this movie.
Me encanto
mariamontfort18 April 2021
Great!
nirvana-0322017 February 2022
Really enjoyed this film. Very interesting to see all of the forces causing widespread diabetes and obesity in Mexico, the people that profit from it, and how Mexico is taking a stand in fighting back in a way that the USA could stand to learn from.
Classroom use encouraged
tommcelheney15 February 2022
I am a teacher in Sacramento California. El Susto is available in English and Spanish, and I recommend it's use in Spanish classes as well as in English, government, history, and PE classes as a conversation starter in grades 11-12. Students are profoundly ignorant of the world around them, and they are the lovable people we were warned about some years ago: those who will die earlier than their parents. Find a way to show the film to students.
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