In 2001, investigative journalist Eric Schlosser published a sensational non-fiction book that exposed the dirty secrets of the fast food industry, from its low standards of hygiene to its abuse of lower-end workers. Called Fast Food Nation, the book became a talking point throughout the world. Readers were disgusted to learn that the beef patties they've been enjoying might contain — gasp! — cow dung.

Subsequently, writer-director Richard Linklater (the maverick who gave us such indie hits as Before Sunset, A Scanner Darkly and The School of Rock) met up with Eric to collaborate on a fictitious film that is based on the book's facts. The result is a dark and potent satire that paints an ugly picture not just of the fast food industry, but of the way we live our lives.

Greg Kinnear plays a marketing executive of a fast food chain. One day, his boss calls him to his office and quietly tells him to investigate why their most popular burger has "shit in the meat". Apparently, the beef patties were found to contain dangerous amounts of cow faeces. The fast food chain must clear up the matter before it leaks out to the press. Greg goes to the abattoirs to see how the meat is prepared, and discovers some shocking truths.

Showing you other characters such as the lowly-paid illegal immigrants who are employed at the abattoirs, and the feckless teenage chefs who spit into your burgers just before they serve it to you, this film is a damning critique of the multi-billion dollar industry.

Do yourself a favour and go see Fast Food Nation. It's not always easy to stomach the film (especially the scenes in the abattoir), but it's certainly good for you.