Pay or Die (2023 film) explained

Pay or Die
Music:	T. Griffin
Cinematography:	Scott Alexander Ruderman
Editing:	William Edward Rogers
Distributor:	MTV Documentary Films
Runtime:	90 minutes
Country:	United States
Language:	English

Pay or Die is an 2023 American documentary film, directed and produced by Scott Alexander Ruderman and Rachael Dyer. It explores three families struggling to afford insulin, and their attempts to make a difference. Sarah Silverman serves as an executive producer.

It had its world premiere at South by Southwest on March 11, 2023, and was released in a limited release on November 1, 2023, by MTV Documentary Films, prior to streaming on Paramount+ on November 14, 2023.

Plot

Three families struggle to afford insulin, one family battles lawmakers in Minnesota to regulate insulin prices, following the death of their son who was unable to afford the medication, a mother and daughter rebuilding their lives after spending their money on insulin, and a young adult diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.^[1]

Production

In February 2022, it was announced Rachael Dyer and Scott Alexander Ruderman would direct the film, with Sarah Silverman set to executive produce.^[2]

Release

The film had its world premiere at South by Southwest on March 11, 2023.^{[3] [4]} Shortly after, MTV Documentary Films acquired distribution rights to the film.^[5] It was released in a limited release on November 1, 2023, by MTV Documentary Films, prior to streaming on Paramount+ on November 14, 2023.^[6]

Reception

^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: SXSW First Look: Sky High Cost Of Insulin Threatens Lives In Competition Documentary ‘Pay Or Die’. Deadline Hollywood. Matthew. Carey. March 9, 2023. October 5, 2023.
2. Web site: Sarah Silverman to Produce Doc About America’s Insulin Crisis (Exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. Lacey. Rose. February 1, 2022. October 5, 2023.
3. Web site: SXSW Lineup Includes ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ On Opening Night, ’Evil Dead Rise’, Eva Longoria’s ‘Flamin’ Hot’, A24’s ‘Problemista’ & More. Deadline Hollywood. Anthony. D'Alessandro. January 11, 2023. October 5, 2023.
4. Web site: Pay or Die. South by Southwest. October 5, 2023.
5. Web site: MTV Documentary Films Acquires Rights To ‘Pay Or Die,’ Powerful Film On Americans “Held Hostage” By High Cost Of Insulin. Deadline Hollywood. Matthew. Carey. May 30, 2023. October 5, 2023.
6. Web site: MTV Documentary Films Releases Trailer for ‘Pay Or Die,’ Documentary Oscar Contender About Insulin Crisis (EXCLUSIVE). Variety. Addie. Morfoot. October 5, 2023. October 5, 2023.
7. Web site: Pay or Die. Rotten Tomatoes. November 3, 2023.