Netflix Digs Into The Russian Doping Scandal In Icarus Trailer

 Netflix is digging into the Russian doping scandal in the new trailer for the upcoming documentary Icarus. The film will feature Bryan Fogel speaking with Russian scientist Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, the self-admitted mastermind of the doping scandal that rocked the Olympic games, along with others close to the controversial events.

Fogel began the documentary with an entirely different purpose. An amateur bike racer, the filmmaker set out to experiment with doping by doping himself, seeing how it changed his performance, and seeing if he would be able to avoid getting caught. It was during this time that he met Rodchenkov, and the two ended up becoming close over Skype.

Fogel and Rodchenkov eventually realized their ability to expose one of the greatest scandals in sports, the doping scandal centered around the 2014 winter Olympic Games in Sochi. Reports began to surface in May of 2016 that Russia had engaged in a widespread, state-run doping program during the Games. While the country initially denied the reports, they later admitted to the program.

The teaser shows that the documentary will be intense and explosive, beginning with a jarring scene in which Rodchenkov admits point blank that he is the man who cheated the Olympics. "I was helping to facilitate one of the most elaborate doping ploys in sports history," Rodchenkov said. "We are top level cheaters." 

"Exemplifying the special bond between filmmaker and subject, this is a vital portrait of the sacrifice some people will make to stand up for truth,"Netflix wrote in their release about the film. "Icarus places you at the heart of an international game of cat and mouse, where a miscalculation can cost you your life."

Icarus will premiere on Netflix on Aug. 4. While we wait, see some of the streamer's best exclusive releases thus far.