If you loved
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Rebecca Skloot · Book · 2010
If you loved The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, you will appreciate these stories that explore the intersection of systemic power, bodily autonomy, and the hidden human costs behind historical or scientific progress.
Films on the same thread
The Help
Film · 2011
Like The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, this narrative centers on the overlooked contributions and struggles of African-American women whose labor and lives are often exploited by those in power.
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat · Film · 2024
This film mirrors the unsettling questions of ownership and bodily exploitation found in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, focusing on the dangerous consequences of commodifying human cells for personal gain.
Temple Grandin
Mick Jackson · Film · 2010
Much like the scientific journey detailed in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, this biopic highlights a woman whose unique perspective and contributions changed the landscape of modern scientific practice.
Desert Flower
Sherry Hormann · Film · 2009
This story of resilience echoes the themes of agency and advocacy found in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, following a woman who reclaims her identity after being treated as an object.
Series on the same thread
The Apothecary Diaries
Series · 2023
If you were drawn to the medical intrigue in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, you will enjoy this look at the power dynamics and secrets hidden within a rigid institutional hierarchy.
Cells at Work!
Series · 2018
While more whimsical than The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, this series explores the complex biological systems that sustain us, offering a unique perspective on the cellular world Henrietta changed forever.
Call the Midwife
Heidi Thomas · Series · 2012
This period drama captures the same intersection of medical history and women's rights seen in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, highlighting the importance of community and care in underserved populations.
The Good Place
Michael Schur · Series · 2016
This exploration of moral accountability shares the investigative spirit of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, prompting you to question the ethics behind the structures that dictate our lives and afterlife.
Podcasts on the same thread
1619
The New York Times · Podcast · 2019
This podcast provides the necessary historical context for the racial inequities described in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, examining how institutional policies have shaped the lived experiences of African-Americans.
Criminal
Vox Media Podcast Network · Podcast · 2026
Fans of the investigative rigor in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks will value this show’s dedication to uncovering the complex, often overlooked stories of those caught in the middle of systemic issues.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the primary subject of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks?
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks tells the story of a poor tobacco farmer whose cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951. These cells, known as HeLa, became a vital tool in medical research, contributing to the development of the polio vaccine, cloning, and gene mapping.
Is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks based on a true story?
Yes, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a factual account of the life of Henrietta Lacks. It documents how her cells were harvested without her consent and transformed into one of the most important tools in modern medicine, despite her remaining largely unknown during her lifetime.
Why are the cells in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks considered important?
The cells described in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks are scientifically significant because they were used to develop the polio vaccine, in vitro fertilization, and gene mapping. These cells have been bought and sold by the billions for medical research since they were first collected in 1951.
How did the medical community acquire the cells in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks?
As detailed in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, the cells were taken from Henrietta Lacks without her knowledge or consent in 1951. These cells, referred to by scientists as HeLa, were subsequently used in various medical breakthroughs while the Lacks family remained largely unaware of their significance.